Witnessing Serapias perez-chiscanoi

After lunch, we headed to a new location in the Gironès region with the objective of observing Serapias perez-chiscanoi. This orchid is an endemism of the western half of the Iberian Peninsula, primarily concentrated in Extremadura, Spain. Its presence in Catalan lands is considered a significant botanical rarity.

We noted that the specimen was already somewhat past its peak flowering stage. Serapias perez-chiscanoi is distinguished by its pale or greenish flowers—unlike most Serapias species which typically have red flowers. It usually blooms during spring, generally between early April and mid-May. Despite this advanced state, the basal rosette and the general form of the inflorescence were still discernible, allowing for clear identification.

This species prefers unaltered humid meadows and pastures with loose, slightly acidic, silica-rich, and nutrient-poor soils. Our observation, even though post-flowering, is valuable for confirming its presence in this Gironès locality and expanding our knowledge of the distribution of this rare endemic species in Catalonia.