Platanthera chlorantha: The shade orchid in the Bassa d'Oles

This finding of Platanthera chlorantha was made during the morning in the damp area of the forest of Bassa d'Oles (Val d'Aran). Unlike the meadow orchids, we found between 10 and 12 specimens of this species growing in the shade, near a particularly damp area within the forest. Shade is the ideal environment for this orchid, which is distinguished by its greenish-white flowers with a long spur and the separation of its pollinia.

Platanthera chlorantha, known as the Greater Butterfly-orchid, is a perennial terrestrial orchid. It is distinguished by its lax inflorescence with greenish-white or yellowish-green flowers. A key feature is its very long spur (up to 3 cm) and its two clearly separated and divergent pollinia (in a "V" shape), which help differentiate it from its close relative, P. bifolia. It commonly grows in forest edges, clearings, and areas with calcareous soil.