Spiranthes spiralis: The large autumn family

First annual encounter with the fascinating Spiranthes spiralis (Autumn Lady's-tresses). The surprise was huge: we counted over 50 specimens right next to a country house in the La Selva comarca, Catalonia. All plants were at their optimal point of growth and flowering, offering an incredible autumnal spectacle.

Spiranthes spiralis, commonly known as the Autumn Lady's-tresses, is a small terrestrial orchid that flowers late in the year, typically between August and October, making it unique. Its most distinctive feature is its inflorescence: a dense spike of tiny white flowers that grows in a spiral around the stem. It is found in dry meadows, scrubland, and edges of open woods.