Wild orchids of the Tuscan countryside

We usually associate orchids with steamy tropical jungles, or at least high humidity, so it comes as a surprise to many that there are a large number of orchid species growing wild in the Tuscan landscape. Some are shy species that require diligent effort to find, while others are large and cover considerable areas of open space during the flowering season. Many species are found at higher altitudes, especially in peat bogs at the foot of mountain ravines.

These photos were taken by members of the Italian Group for the Research on Wild Orchids (Gruppo Italiano per la Ricerca sulle Orchidee Spontanee). The group has an excellent web site illustrating orchid genera including those to be seen in Tuscany.

< < < < Typical habitat of Ophrys ciliata

Click the small images for a larger view

Epipactis placentina

Limodorum abortivum

Ophrys speculum

Ophrys tyrrhena

Orchis simia

Orchiaceras bergonii

Informative, illustrated guide books include the following:

Orchids of Britain and Europe
Pierre Delforge (1995)
ISBN: 0002200244

Field Guide to Orchids of Britain & Europe
Karl P. Buttler (1992)
ISBN: 1852235918

Orchideen Europas
(The Orchids of Europe)
D. Aichele (1998)
ISBN: 3440058298

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