Orchis anthropophora Findings in Garrotxa and La Selva

This Sunday, April 26th, we conducted field investigations in the Garrotxa and La Selva regions. Our observations included multiple findings of Orchis anthropophora, commonly known as the Man Orchid. We noted numerous specimens across the surveyed areas, which were found to be in bloom.

This terrestrial orchid, typically growing to a height of 20 to 40 cm, is identified by its dense, cylindrical flower spike. Its small, yellowish-green flowers, often with reddish margins, possess a distinctive, deeply trilobed labellum that hangs vertically, creating a silhouette often likened to a human figure, from which its common name is derived. The plants were observed within their typical flowering period of April to June, inhabiting areas consistent with their preference for dry, calcareous soils in open woodlands and scrub clearings.