Observation of Platanthera chlorantha in Ripollès

During a recent botanical exploration through the Ripollès region, we had the opportunity to find several specimens of Platanthera chlorantha, commonly known as the Greater Butterfly-orchid. This robust, perennial terrestrial orchid is a notable presence in our landscapes.

The observed individuals were in good flowering condition, situated in an environment consistent with their ecological preferences: unimproved pastures and the edges of open deciduous forests, with indications of calcareous soils, a substrate type favored by this species. We were able to appreciate its characteristic large and shiny basal leaves, as well as its lax floral spike bearing yellowish-green, waxy-textured flowers. A key distinguishing feature observed were its divergent pollinia, forming a peculiar inverted «V», which is crucial for its correct identification and differentiation from its sister species, P. bifolia.

This observation in Ripollès enhances our understanding of the distribution of this species, which typically flowers between May and July. With its vanilla-like fragrance, more intense in the evening, it plays a vital role in the local ecosystem by attracting nocturnal moths for pollination.