Orchis simia: Diverse Discoveries in Garrotxa and La Selva

This Sunday, April 26th, we conducted a day of field research in the Garrotxa and La Selva regions. Throughout the day, we documented multiple findings of Orchis simia, commonly known as the Monkey Orchid. This terrestrial orchid, named for the peculiar shape of its labellum which resembles a monkey with arms and legs, was present in various specimens in full bloom.

A noteworthy aspect of this observation was the presence of hypochromatic versions, featuring predominantly white flowers, which contrasted remarkably with the naturally colored specimens, typically whitish or pinkish with purple or fuchsia patches on the labellum. This chromatic diversity was particularly interesting, as the characteristic labellum, with its four fine, long limbs curving upwards and a white center with intense fuchsia speckles, manifested atypically in the white forms. The plants were found in habitats typical for the species, such as meadows and clearings, in calcareous soil areas, where this orchid, while generally infrequent, can be locally abundant in Garrotxa and La Selva.