Orchis robusta (Stephenson) Gölz & H.R. Reinhard

Spice Flowers In the field 1 In the field 2

Family: ORCHIDACEAE

Genus: Orchis

Sinònims: Orchis palustris Jacq. subsp. robusta (Stephenson) Sundermann. Anacamptis robusta (T. Stephenson) R.M. Bateman Anacamptis palustris (Jacq.) R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W. Chase subsp. robusta (T. Stephenson) R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W. Chase Orchis laxiflora Lam. subsp. robusta (T. Stephenson) H. Sund.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): West Mediterranean

Plants protected by law: Balearic Catalogue.

IUCN Category: CRCritically endangered

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Geophyte.

Habitats: Non-saline wetlands (intermittent watercourses, streams, artesian wells, ditches). Marshes and herbaceous communities in humid soils. Albufera of Mallorca.

Characteristics: An orquid that inhabits wet areas close to the sea, can be found in flooded areas or alongside the borders. It is relatively large, can reach up to more than a half meter in height. Has raceme of purple flowers with a pointed labellum with a more less horizontal spur. In the islands it can be found in s'Albufera de Muro. Flowers at the end of spring to the beginning of summer.

Observations: The taxonomic level of this taxon has been very controversial. Some authors consider that it can not be distinguished from O. palustris (=Anacamptis palustris ) but molecular studies from Mallorca populations support the criteria to be considered as different species.