Dactylorhiza elata

The Dactylorhiza elata is a terrestrial orchid notable for its great height, which is why it is known as the Robust Marsh Orchid. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family and is distributed across the western Mediterranean region.

Morphological description: It is a robust plant that can reach between 50 and 90 cm. It presents long, lanceolate leaves that are often spotted with a burgundy colour. Its inflorescence is a dense and compact spike up to 20 cm long, crowned by reddish-purple flowers. Like the rest of the Dactylorhiza genus, its tubers are flattened and divided into lobes, resembling the fingers of a hand (Greek: daktylos and rhiza).

Habitat and ecology: This geophyte orchid requires constant humidity to thrive. It grows preferably in damp, wet meadows, rush beds, and stream banks, being highly demanding of very moist calcareous soils or those irrigated by calcareous water. D. elata is a species that requires considerable light for its development.

Life cycle: This is a long-lived perennial plant (up to 10 years). Its flowering period generally extends from late spring to early summer, potentially starting as early as April in more southern climates like Sardinia.