Gymnadenia conopsea

The Gymnadenia conopsea, commonly known as the Fragrant Orchid or Chalk Fragrant Orchid (referring to its aroma), is a slender geophyte plant (with underground storage organs) whose specific name (conopsea) refers to a resemblance to the gnat or mosquito. It releases a pleasant vanilla scent. The species is part of a taxonomic complex with different ploidy levels, such as G. densiflora.

Morphological description: It is a plant usually standing between 20 and 50 cm tall. The inflorescence is a long, abundant, cylindrical spike, with flowers ranging from pink/fuchsia to white. The most distinctive feature is its very long, thin, and pointed spur, often curved downwards, which contains nectar to attract butterflies. The labellum (lower petal) is trilobed with the central part being the most prominent.

Habitat and distribution: This species prefers humid environments, found in wet meadows, bogs, moist grasslands, and mountain scrub. Its distribution is Euro-Siberian, common in Europe and the north of the Iberian Peninsula. In Catalonia, it is mainly found in the Pyrenees and mountain areas. In the Balearic Islands (Mallorca), it is classified as critically endangered due to its small population and grazing by herbivores.

Ecology and distinctive features: Pollination is mainly carried out by butterflies (Lepidoptera), which use their proboscis to access the nectar at the base of the long spur. It can be distinguished from G. densiflora because G. conopsea has a relatively longer spur compared to the ovary (ratio > 2). It is a protected species in several autonomous regions.