Orchids are one of the plants that appeal the most to people due to the beauty of its flowers, with odd and exuberant colours and shapes. They are part of a wider group of plants that usually occur in tropical countries.

In Portugal, some are cultivated in pots, mostly as interior plants, where the temperature allows for them to grow. But there are indigenous orchids, that is, part of the Portuguese flora, which naturally occur in our country.

A stroll in the countryside between March and June allows for the viewing of some of our wild orchid species. Among the 55 portuguese orchids, some are now blooming, mainly the Orchis and the Ophrys. These grow mainly in dry, chalky soil.

Portugal is one of the last countries where several types of European orchids can grow in natural conditions. There are still several habitats that haven’t been destroyed by Man, and it has become crucial to preserve those spaces.

One of the Portuguese orchids is Orchis apifera, known as bee orchid, which grows to be 30 cm tall, supports only a few flowers on each stem. Its oval calyx stands out by its red colours and its rosy petals and sepals. They also feature tiny red spots on their yellow edges.

An interesting feature of this species is that it resembles a large type of bee that usually lives in the same area where these orchids grow. A spectacular mimesis to lure in drones (male bees), to ensure pollination. Aside from its bee-resembling aspect, it also releases a pheromone that resembles the scent of a bee, to lure in the drones.

Another beautiful Portuguese orchid is Ophrys speculum, whose calyx stands out in nature due to its blue/metallic violet colour.

Portuguese orchid species should be preserved, so if you see any just remember to enjoy them, take pictures, but don’t pick them so they can carry on existing.

Amália Souto de Miranda,
Landscape Architect