Observation of Platanthera chlorantha in Vidrà

During a recent field trip through Vidrà, we had the opportunity to observe several Platanthera specimens, encountered near the Ophrys simia documented during the same outing. Many of these individuals were just beginning to open their first flowers, but the presence of some already fully bloomed specimens allowed for a clear classification as Platanthera chlorantha, commonly known as the Greater Butterfly-orchid.

This robust terrestrial orchid was distinguished by its characteristic yellowish-green and waxy-textured flowers, featuring a long, narrow, and undivided labellum. The key distinguishing feature for its identification was the position of its pollinia, which were clearly divergent and formed an inverted «V», a characteristic that differentiates it from its sister species, P. bifolia. While the potential presence of P. bifolia in the area was not ruled out, the observation focused on confirming P. chlorantha. These specimens were found in an environment consistent with their preferred habitat, such as unimproved pastures or edges of open deciduous forests, which typically feature calcareous soils. Its flowering period, from May to July, aligns with the various developmental stages observed.