Spring Field Trip: Mirror Orchids in La Selva

This Sunday, April 26th, we conducted a field investigation day across the Garrotxa and La Selva regions. Our specific focus for this observation was to document the presence of the exquisite Ophrys speculum, commonly known as the Mirror Orchid, within La Selva. We were pleased to locate two specimens thriving in bloom, reaffirming their presence at two sites previously visited last year. These plants, characteristic of their species, displayed the distinctive metallic blue or violet 'speculum' on their trilobed labellum, surrounded by a yellow marginal stripe and reddish hairs, a captivating example of floral mimicry. As a Mediterranean species, Ophrys speculum typically flourishes in spring in sun-drenched grasslands and clearings on basic, calcareous substrates, conditions consistent with their current environment. This re-observation underscores the stability of these local populations and highlights the unique botanical diversity of the region.