Observation of Gymnadenia gabasiana in Ripollès

During a recent exploration in the Ripollès region, within the Catalan Pyrenees, we had the opportunity to document several specimens of Gymnadenia gabasiana. These were found at an approximate altitude of 1800 meters, a range that perfectly aligns with its characteristic subalpine habitat.

The observed specimens were in good flowering condition, a period that for this tuberous geophyte orchid typically extends from June to August. G. gabasiana is a small plant, typically ranging from 6 to 23 cm in height, distinguished by its dense spike inflorescence, which transitions from a conical to an ovoid shape. Its flowers, colored from dark red to purplish, are one of its notable features. The labellum, measuring up to 9 mm long, displays a strongly constricted basal third with almost overlapping margins, a key morphological trait for its identification. The very short and slender spur also contributes to this distinction.

The environment of the finding, sunny mountain pastures, accurately reflects the conditions preferred by this species, an endemism of the Pyrenean-Cantabrian mountain range, growing in both acidic and basic soils. This observation highlights the presence of a protected species in the region, contributing to the understanding of its local distribution.