Native French Orchids

[camille1585]

Wow, great shots Ramon! I like D.mascula, there are a few different color forms of it. The alba is quite pretty, there are some growing in a field next to our countryhouse.

All of the areas of the french Alps that I have hiked (mainly in Savoie and Haute Savoie) have been extremely rich in orchids. I agree, fields of D.sambucina are amazing to see! I also know of one spot were at least 200 Cyp calceolus are growing, and it's just jaw dropping to see. I believe that there are at least a hundred different species growing in that area of the Alps, so if you go out at peak orchid season you're bound to see at least a dozen species in one hike. There's a great website (in french) on all the orchids of the Hautes-Alpes department. Orchidées des Hautes-Alpes : Bienvenue sur le site des Orchidées des Hautes-Alpes

Jim- The Gentiana kochiana is quite stunning to see, and I now have some growing in my garden. Have you seen Gentiana verna? The blue of it is even more intense. It really is as blue as in the photo.