Orchis olbiensis - Southern Early Purple Orchid
Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Liliopsida - Order: Orchidales - Family: Orchidaceae
Above: Orchis olbiensis photographed in mid April in the mountains of the Algarve, southern Portugal
Description
Orchis Olbiensis is very similar in appearance to Orchis mascula but is generally a taller and more spindly-looking. It grows to around 50cm tall and has a basal rosette of leaves which are narrow and pointed and are sometimes spotted with dark brown. The upper part of the stem is flushed deep purple. The inflorescence is lax and carries between 20-30 deep purple flowers. The lip is shallowly lobed and has a white centre spotted with red.
Distribution
Orchis olbiensis is localised but widespread in Portugal, Spain and southern France. It is also recorded in North Africa.
Habitat
It is tolerant of a number of habitats and substrates but grows at its best on limestone.
Flowering times
In the Mediterranean countries Orchis olbiensis flowers very early - certainly by mid-March.
The photographs on this page were taken in the Algarve region of Portugal, high up in the mountains between Monchique and Foia in early April. From early March they occur in vast numbers on top of the famous limestone cliff at Rocha da Pena which is in the centre of the Algarve.
Etymology
The genus name Orchis means 'testacles', a reference to the twin tubers of orchids in this genus. The specific epithet olbiensis means 'of or from Olbia' (now known as the Isles d'Hyères) in southern France.
Reference sources
The Plant List
Sue Parker (2023) Wild Orchids of the Algarve - where, when and how to find them; First Nature e-book (Amazon Kindle format)
Chris Thorogood and Simon Hiscock (2014) Field Guide to the Wildflowers of the Algarve; Kew Publishing
Pierre Delforge (2005) Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East; A&C Black
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