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Wild
orchids in the Apennines
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Go
on the Orchid Trail in the Apennines near Reggio
Emilia.
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It's
a little-known fact that of the hundred or so recognised
species of orchids growing in Italy (there are around
25,000 known species in the world) at least fifty
can be found in the province of Reggio Emilia.
This is thanks to the mesophyll woods, oak and chestnut
forests and mountain pastures which, along with
a warm damp climate and a suitable soil, create
the ideal habitat for orchid cultivation. Most of
these orchids flower in the period between April
and May with some lasting until August.
Enthusiasts should head for the Secchia valley
or in and around the Gessi further up the valley
where the more beautiful orchids have been spotted.
 Orchis
morio is known for its vivid flowers and can
be found throughout the province. It is a small
(reaching a maximum height of 50 cm) and hardy plant.
Blooms vary from dark purple to violet and white.
Ophrys fuciflora can be found on the limestone
configurations of Monte Carù. Don't be surprised
if you can't find it as it is camouflaged as a female
bumble bee. The camouflage is so good that the male
bee is attracted to the orchid and after an unsuccessful
mating session flies off to pollinate the next 'bee'
in his path. Indeed to make the 'courtship' even
more realistic the orchid has learned to produce
pheromone-like chemicals thereby making it all the
more irresistible to the unsuspecting bee.
Orchis militaris: is a rare variety which
seems to be confined to the area around the Fonti
di Poiano. The orchid's name comes from the fact
that the flowers look like laughing monkeys.
 Ophrys
bertolonii can also be found at the Fonti
di Poiano and are normally 10-30 cm high. This
variety is named after Doctor Bertoloni, the Bolognese
doctor and botanist. Its characteristic curved shape
is thought to reflect the preferred sexual position
of hymenopters (a group of insects including bees,
wasps and ants) who, during reproduction arch their
abdomens.
Epipactis palustris is a particularly tall
variety (some plants measure up to 90 cm). It is
quite rare and is generally found in well-lit damp
areas which are prone to flooding. It can be found,
once more, at the Fonti di Poiano and is in flower
from June to August.
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UGO PELLINI |
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May
2001
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THE SURVIVOR'S 
