Records of Gymnadenia conopsea in the Barbarisa area

During a recent ascent to the peak and the picturesque Barbarisa Lakes (Ibones de Barbarisa), we had the opportunity to document the presence of several specimens of Gymnadenia conopsea, commonly known as the Fragrant Orchid. This slender geophyte orchid, typical of high-mountain environments, is identifiable by its characteristic vanilla scent.

The observed individuals were in an advanced stage of their floral cycle, with most of their inflorescences already having faded flowers. This finding, despite the late flowering phase, reiterates Gymnadenia conopsea's preference for humid habitats, such as wet meadows and mountain bogs, characteristic of the Ibones' surroundings. This orchid, with its cylindrical spike and distinctive long spur, is a key pollinator for various butterfly species in the Pyrenees.

This observation adds data to the known distribution of the species in high-mountain areas, even in its post-flowering cycle.