Dactylorhiza maculata Enduring Mountain Heat

During a recent ascent of Pic de Comaloformo and Besiberri Sud, starting from Presa de Cavallers, we were fortunate to observe several specimens of Dactylorhiza maculata. While most of the plants in the area were already dried out due to the prolonged heat, a few resilient individuals were still found in good condition.

This particular observation took place in the high-mountain environment typical for this species in the Pyrenees, where it thrives in montane and subalpine belts, usually between 1,420 and 2,200 meters of altitude. The Heath Spotted-orchid is known for its preference for humid, acidic soils found in wet meadows, bogs, and stream banks, which likely provided pockets of moisture for the surviving plants. Its characteristic dark-spotted leaves and solid stem are key identification features, even as the flowering season draws to a close, as evidenced by the dry majority. This sighting, despite the challenging conditions, highlights the species' enduring presence in these alpine habitats.