Himantoglossum hircinum

The Himantoglossum hircinum, commonly known as the Lizard Orchid, is a robust and spectacular orchid that gets its popular name from the strong, unpleasant odor it emits (resembling goat or buck). The specific epithet hircinum also refers to this smell.

Morphological description: It is a large plant (20-110 cm) with broad leaves that often wither at the time of flowering. The inflorescence is dense (20-100 flowers) and gives off the characteristic scent. The most distinctive feature is the labellum (lip), which is excessively long and trilobed. The central lobe, initially spiralled in the bud, unfurls like a very long, ribbon-like strip (serpentine) ending in a fork, colored olive or pinkish-brown with a purple-spotted base. Sepals and petals form an almond-green helmet with reddish-violet veins inside.

Habitat and distribution: It prefers alkaline (calcareous) soils and full sun. It grows in meadows, grassy slopes, road margins, and abandoned fields. In Catalonia, it is found between 0 and 1,000 meters in altitude, with specimens having been found in the Osona region.

Conservation status: In Catalonia, it is considered a rare species. Its reliance on open habitats (meadows, abandoned fields) makes it susceptible to changes in land use and habitat loss.