Dactylorhiza fuchsii Observation at Puig del Far (Osona)

During a recent field trip along the route to Puig del Far, in the Osona region of Catalonia, we had the opportunity to document the presence of Dactylorhiza fuchsii, commonly known as the Common Spotted-orchid.

Four specimens of this orchid were observed. Of these, two individuals showed signs of senescence or environmental stress, already scorched by the sun, while the other two were found in good flowering condition. Dactylorhiza fuchsii is a robust plant that can reach up to 60 cm in height, with a solid stem and broad basal leaves displaying its characteristic elongated dark spots. Its most notable distinctive feature is the deeply trilobed labellum, with the central lobe pointed, narrow, and clearly protruding. This species, which flowers from May to July, prefers calcareous or basic soils and typically grows in fresh mountain meadows and humid forest edges, a habitat consistent with the mid-mountain environment where Puig del Far is located.

This observation at Puig del Far adds to the recorded distribution of the species in the Osona region.