Observation of Orchis simia near Vidrà

During a recent exploration along the lower sections of a route near Vidrà, we had the opportunity to document several specimens of Orchis simia, commonly known as the Monkey Orchid.

The observed individuals were in good flowering condition, a positive sign for the vitality of the local population. Among them, one specimen particularly stood out due to its notably large size compared to its counterparts, suggesting its capacity for robust development in this habitat. This terrestrial orchid is easily recognized by the curious shape of its labellum, which vividly resembles a monkey with outstretched arms and legs, and by its characteristic inverse flowering, where the flowers at the top of the spike open before those at the base.

The surrounding environment of the discovery, likely featuring calcareous soils and appropriate sun exposure, appeared to favor the growth of this species, which typically flowers between April and June in low-lying areas. This observation contributes to the record of its presence and health in the area, a species generally considered infrequent in Catalonia, although it can be locally abundant in counties like Ripollès or Garrotxa.