Wild orchids of Spain | Gardening On

Anacamptis pyramidalis Wild Orchids of Spain

When we think of an orchid, the normal thing is that we believe that they come from Asia, or that they at least originate from there. But what if we tell you not to go too far? And they exist wild orchids of Spain, to the point of having more than 80 different species that have nothing to envy to the best known.

If you want to know what they are like and some of the best known, do not hesitate and keep reading. Surely you end up liking some more than the ones you have bought on a regular basis.

How many orchids are there in the world

Orchids are always one of the most attractive plants. That is why in many florists they are placed in shop windows and many supermarkets bring them often, especially the phalaenopsis orchid because they know that people buy them.

The size they have, as well as the delicacy of their flowers and the way it opens attracts a lot of attention. But, apart from the few varieties that we can know, the truth is that in the whole world there are some 20.000 different species.

What we mistakenly think is that they need exotic places to grow when, except in the desert, they grow anywhere on the planet. Included in Spain.

On our earth there are more than 80 terrestrial species (because some are capable of living in trees). Some even speak of 130.

Spanish orchids, what are they like?

If we focus on the wild orchids of Spain we must tell you that these are very varied. Some of them are similar to what you may know, while others are very rare, and also difficult to find. A clear example is the coral orchidwith a miniscule size and whose flowering is almost always done underground (in addition to not always blooming, but every x years).

But do you want to know more features? They are between them:

  • The size. Spanish orchids are small in relation to the ones you know. These do not grow beyond 50 centimeters in height.
  • Location. These orchids usually grow in forests and meadows, although it is also common to see them on some river banks or even in water currents.
  • Flowering. Although this is relative, because it will depend on the area, it is usual that they put flowers from March to June approximately. Of course, they differ from other orchids in that their flowers are more showy, even exuberant, and that is not achieved by other species.

Wild orchid species from Spain

Giving you a complete list of wild orchids in Spain would be boring, since it would be made up of dozens of scientific names and some common name by which it is known.

Therefore, below we are going to talk to you about some of those species that you can find in the country.

Sidewalks anthropophorum

Known as Flower of the Hanged Man. Is a small but very elongated orchidas if it were a spike.

The flowers are always in yellow and the truth is that it is one of the rarest that exist.

Ophry’s mirror

Ophry's mirror

Also known as the mirror of Venus. The flower attracts a lot of attention, which blooms between the months of February and June. And why is it so important? Well, because when it opens, the bottom of the flower is full of fluff, as if it has hair, and in the center it seems to have a mirror, that joins the center of the flower.

Of course, we are talking about a species that is included in the Red List of the Vascular Flora of Andalusia.

Anacamptis collina

This orchid is another that you will find in Spain, specifically in Alicante or the Balearic Islands.

The most striking thing about this are, without a doubt, the stems and purple flowers that it throws. On the same stem it is common for you to have between 2 and 4 wide leaves, something that does not happen in the species that are commonly known.

Dactylorhiza insularis

This is perhaps an orchid that you would like to have but, at the same time, that you would not want. And it is that on the one hand it is called a pale orchid because the very small flowers are soft yellow. But, on the other hand, it is capable of attracting insects, which means that you will have a garden full of insects, both good and bad.

Ovate list

Ovate list

Have you ever seen a orchid capable of producing more than 60 flowers? Well yes, this is one of them.

It is also known as two-leaf Yerba and blooms between April and August.

Ophrys apifera

This orchid, called the bee orchid, is one of the most unique. The same thing happens to another that we have seen, which attracts insects, and that is its shape looks like that of a real bee.

The colors of this species are usually violet or white. In addition, it is one of the most sought after.

Ophrys brown

Ophrys brown

The so-called dark beekeeper. It is a wild orchid from Spain that is characterized by having a very intense green color. What differentiates it from others? Well, its flower resembles the abdomen of a bee.

Ophrys tenthredinifera

Wild orchids of Spain Ophrys tenthredinifera

If before we have talked about the dark beehive, now we have to do it about the pink beehive. Unlike the previous one, the most striking thing is the pink color it has, and the bee shape that the flower acquires.

It has brown hairy petals (lip), and also They are triangular in shape.

Anacamptis pyramidalis

Anacamptis pyramidalis Wild Orchids of Spain

With more than 40 flowers in their scarce 30 centimeters in heightThis is another of the Spanish wild orchids that attracts a lot of attention.

Among its unique characteristics is the intense perfume that it is able to emanate and the inflorescence, that is, the flowers are placed on the branches or at the ends of the stem.

Abortive of Limodorum

Abortive of Limodorum

This is one of the most striking, first, because It does not have basal leaves, and secondly, because it is one of those that offers the largest flowers, purple in color. Of course, not all the ones you check open at the end.

As you can see, there are many wild orchids in Spain. Many of them are protected because they are in danger of extinction, and others are very difficult to see. But others are even prettier than the ones you often buy in stores.

Wild orchids of Spain | Gardening On

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