Cypripedium calceolus
 

Last week of May 2010, I went to visit the house of my in-laws in the French Alps. They have this house since approx. 30 years and go there every summer. They always knew about the presence of Cyp. calceolus in the region, as well as many other wild orchids. So, as soon as I arrived there, they avidly told me the orchids, and that they have never seen Cyp calceolus: "Most probably it only grows in this very remote zone, where you cannot easily go!" I had to smile, as I told them they have been looking for them in the wrong place for about 30 years. Immediately after I said that, I was challenged: "If you find one single plant, I'll give you this bottle of Bordeaux from 1975!"

I think I had never had a better incentive to find an orchid LOL

so, next day we took the car and went to see the surroundings. At the spot I thought would be good, I parked the car, went for a nice trekking and found not one, but a whole huge colony with at least 50 plants... Unfortunately for me, the were just starting to grow, and I could only see one plant with buds (first two Photos).

I was planning to go to the Alps again this weekend, but everything went different as planned at work... so I will have to wait until next season ;) However, my in-laws sent me these pictures... Next year I MUST be there in June! :D

P.S.- The wine is fantastic! we open a similar bottle that night, and I brought another bottle for the day I finish my greenhouse :D

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/...ef4e7e4f8f.jpghttp://farm2.static.flickr.com/1292/...8f20d0680c.jpghttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/...62d549ed_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1295/...8ce8189b_o.jpghttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/...ec3575c7_o.jpghttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/...04f776d1_b.jpghttp://farm2.static.flickr.com/1289/...26fa0992_b.jpg

P.S.-First time I see Cyp. calceolus in the wild!

Look! It's the OB mascot orchid! :biggrin:

Such a beautiful plant. I'm sure it was a sight to behold up close. :)

Awesome! I hope you can go next year and see the whole lot blooming - and of course share the photos with us!
I bet the wine tasted especially good!

Great story Ramón, and so wonderful to see the pics of them in the wild. Congratulations of finding them.

:D they just decided to open a bottle of wine... They are french :lol:

Great photos! Hope you can go see them next year.

Tell your in-laws that those photos are stunning, Ramon! Now hopefully the colony will remain intact and not be ravaged by orchid hunters.

Steve