Observation of Dactylorhiza majalis in Ripollès

During several surveys conducted in the Ripollès region, we had the pleasure of documenting the presence of Dactylorhiza majalis, commonly known as the Broad-leaved Marsh Orchid. This robust terrestrial orchid is characteristic of aquatic and humid ecosystems in mid- and high-altitude mountains, and its presence in the area perfectly aligns with its preferred habitat of wet meadows and peat bogs, with soils that tend to be basic and almost permanently moist.

We located various specimens at different points across the territory. Most of them were found in good flowering condition, with their characteristic dense spikes of purple or dark red flowers well developed. However, we observed that some flowers already showed signs of having passed their peak, a fact we could attribute to recently experienced warm conditions, which can accelerate this species' flowering cycle. Identification was facilitated by distinctive traits such as its broad leaves with the typical dark purple spots (maculate) and, crucially, its hollow stem (fistulous), a key characteristic that differentiates it from other related species like Dactylorhiza maculata. This observation underscores the vitality of this species during its flowering period, which primarily spans from May to July in the Pyrenean region.