Serapias vomeracea in Serviès meadows (Aude, France)

The botanical exploration around Serviès-en-Val (Aude) during the weekend confirmed the richness of the local orchid flora. In the same sunny, calcareous meadows where Anacamptis pyramidalis was abundant, we also documented several specimens of Serapias vomeracea.

This orchid is distinguished by its large flowers and its elongated labellum shaped like a ploughshare (hence the name vomeracea). Its presence alongside other species like Ophrys apifera and Himantoglossum hircinum underscores the importance of these meadows as a biodiversity hotspot.