Wild orchids: where they are found and how to see them

WILD ORCHIDS

In Italy the orchid There is no shortage of wild ones, with approximately 29 genera and 190 species and subspecies. In most cases these flowers They reproduce through entomophilous pollination. Wild Italian orchids, unlike tropical ones, are perennial flowers, with roots firmly planted in the soil. They grow and develop in dry soils, such as humid undergrowth. And most wild orchids are protected: they cannot be collected.

WHERE THEY ARE FOUND

Our wild orchids are found throughout the peninsula, both in the plains and in the high mountains, and many species we find them on the northern and central Apennines. In any case, Remember that the best areas for searching are Mattinata, Monte Sacro, the Umbra Forest, Pulsano, Cagnano Varano, and Bosco Quarto.

ORCHIDS OF GARGANO

Those who love orchids, and in general flowers wild, you cannot miss a visit, possibly between the months of May and June, but also during the winter months, in the Gargano National Park. Here in fact we find the largest concentration of different species of wild orchids: there are 90, almost half of those recorded in the whole of Italy (190)..

For this reason the paths of the Park are the destination of a true pilgrimage of lovers of gardensGermans, Dutch, Swedes, and even Australians. All drawn to the kingdom of the world's most mysterious flowers.

ALSO READ: How to grow orchids in pots

To make a complete tour, and to look for the orchid in the right places, you can rely on the book Wild orchids in the Gargano National Park, written by Angela Rossini and Giovanni Quitadamo. Or you can visit the Orchidee del Gargano website where, among other things, you can also book a guided tour along the park's trails.

WILD ORCHID GENERA

Here is the list of genres of orchid wild ones present in our territory:

1 Anacamptis
2 Cephalanthera
3 Chamorchis
4 Corallorhiza
5 Cypripedium
6 Dactylorhiza
7 Epipactis
8 Epipogium
January 9th
10 Goodyera
11 Gymnadenia
12 Herminium
13 Himantoglossum
14 Limodorum
15 Liparis
16 Listera
17 Malaxis
18 Neotinea
19 Neottia
20 Nigritella
21 Ophrys
22 Orchis
23 Platanthera
24 Pseudorchis
25 Serapias
26 Spiranthes
27 Traunsteinera

TO KNOW MORE: Wild plants: 1371 species grow in Italy alone. But their habitat is at risk.