Observation of Dactylorhiza fuchsii at Pedraforca

During a recent strenuous ascent to the Pollegó Inferior of Pedraforca, we had the opportunity to document the first specimens of Dactylorhiza fuchsii, commonly known as the Common Spotted-orchid. These individuals, identifiable by their characteristic robust stature and broad basal leaves with elongated dark spots, were on the verge of flowering, their inflorescences poised to unfold.

This terrestrial orchid prefers fresh mountain meadows and calcareous or basic soils, a habitat that appeared consistent with the conditions found at Pedraforca's altitudes. Later, upon returning to the car, we located a few more individuals near the roadside. Finally, from the Pedraforca viewpoint, right by the road, we observed many more specimens already in full bloom, their pale pink to purple flowers displaying the distinctive deeply trilobed labellum with a narrow and prominently protruding central lobe. This sequence of observations suggests that the species' flowering season, typically from May to July, was well underway in this mid to high mountain area.