Observation of Neotinea ustulata at Barbarisa Lakes

During our ascent to the peak and the Barbarisa Lakes, we were fortunate to observe a couple of specimens of Neotinea ustulata, commonly known as the Burnt orchid. The two plants were in good condition, flowering in a high-altitude mountain environment that perfectly matches the habitat preferences of this terrestrial orchid, such as well-lit meadows with short grass. This species is recognized for its characteristic bicolored flowers: the upper buds display a distinctive dark red or purple hue, giving it its 'burnt' epithet, while the lower open flowers feature a white, trilobate labellum adorned with crimson red spots. The presence of Neotinea ustulata at this altitude in the Pyrenees enhances our understanding of its distribution in montane settings.