Epipactis helleborine Still in Bloom at Roca Lladre, Garrotxa

During a recent field trip along a route to Roca Lladre in the Garrotxa region, we made an interesting observation: a specimen of Epipactis helleborine, commonly known as Broad-leaved Helleborine, still in full bloom. This sighting was particularly noteworthy as traces of other orchid species, including other Epipactis and Cephalanthera rubra, were visibly withered and "fried" by the intense summer sun.

This resilience of Epipactis helleborine aligns perfectly with its reputation as a versatile and opportunistic Eurasian terrestrial orchid. While many orchids are highly demanding of their environment, E. helleborine is renowned for its exceptional adaptability, thriving in both natural and human-modified habitats. Its flowering period in Catalonia typically extends through July and August, making this late-season bloom a testament to its hardiness in what appeared to be challenging, sun-exposed conditions where other species had already succumbed to the heat. This observation underscores the species' ability to persist and flower even when its delicate cousins struggle, further highlighting why it is a widespread and successful orchid across its distribution range.