Limodorum abortivum Observations in Garrotxa and La Selva

This Sunday, April 26th, we utilized the day to conduct field research in the Garrotxa and La Selva regions. During this exploration, we documented multiple findings of the Limodorum abortivum, commonly known as the Violet Limodore, with notable abundance in the areas visited.

The observed specimens were found in various stages of flowering, from emerging shoots with their characteristic erect, purplish stem to plants displaying their large, conspicuous violet flowers already open. The presence of this mycoheterotrophic orchid, which virtually lacks chlorophyll and relies on mycorrhizal fungi for its nutrition, indicates the quality of the forest soils it prefers, often alkaline or calcareous. Individuals were located in shady environments with a good layer of leaf litter, typical of holm oak and dry pine forests, aligning with its usual flowering period which extends from April to July.