Neottia cordata: A First Sighting in the Catalan Pyrenees

A primary objective for our recent trip to the Ripollès region was the quest to find Neottia cordata, the Lesser Twayblade, a species I had not yet encountered in the field. This discreet terrestrial orchid, known for its tiny stature typically between 5 and 20 cm tall, often goes unnoticed. We were fortunate to locate several specimens thriving at an altitude of approximately 1700 meters.

The individuals observed were well-established in their preferred habitat, characterized by the cool, shady, and humid forest conditions common to the high mountains of Ripollès. This region is well-known for hosting this circumboreal species in Catalonia. The small, reddish-purple stems and distinctive shiny dark green heart-shaped leaves the feature from which cordata derives its name were present, though the tiny flowers themselves (typically 2-3 mm wide) are easily overlooked. This successful find contributes to our ongoing documentation of the diverse orchid flora in this unique mountainous environment.