In a significant conservation effort, technicians from the Natural Heritage Conservation area of Picos de Europa National Park have discovered two rare orchid species in the Cantabrian region. This finding is part of ongoing monitoring of threatened flora within the protected area.
The species identified are Epipactis palustris, known as the marsh helleborine, and Ophrys lutea, commonly referred to as the yellow bee orchid. Both species are found in Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean, with Epipactis palustris being particularly rare.
Director of the Park, Jesús Celada, praised the local guides for their vigilance and highlighted the importance of these discoveries by local workers who possess intimate knowledge of the region.
Epipactis palustris thrives in temperate zones, particularly in moist forests and open spaces. It forms symbiotic relationships with fungi, which are essential for its survival. The orchid’s purple stems can reach up to 70 centimeters, adorned with attractive flowers.
On the other hand, Ophrys lutea, part of the bee orchid group, is characterized by its bright yellow flowers and is typically found in meadows and forests across the Mediterranean region. Its life cycle involves a dormant period during summer, followed by growth in autumn.
Both species are vital to biodiversity and their discovery underscores the importance of conservation efforts in protecting endangered flora.