The trip started in Valkenburg a/d Geul. After a substantial climb we've left the Biebosch and the St. Jansbosch behind, and the Gerendal welcomed us. The frolicking walks of several lambs made clear that spring already started, and after a short lunch we continued our walk. Seeing the vegetation as it was I had little confidence we were to find any rosettes. But four eyes see a lot more than two, and it was my girlfriend who spotted the first rosette of Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea).
The rosette of the Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea)Shortly after our first find soon showers appeared, and as we learned they never went away that day! Sporadicly there were some clearings. The hamlet of Beertsenhoven brought us to Gulpen. Soon we continued our way to the last site were we found rosettes of two more orchid species. The first one is the rosette of a beautifull mediterranean species that occurs only in the coastal region and uplands of southern holland. In the southern part the Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) is a true rarity and is only known of a hand full of stations. In total we've found about 40 rosettes! That's the same number of flowering plants I've found last year. So I cautiously conclude that the severe winter (frost periode) has had no impact on the individuals within this population.
The rosette of the Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis)
A nearby grassland contained several rosettes of the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) last year. But the owner decided to mow the vegetation when the plants started to flower. Small Broomrape (Orobanche minor) also appears here. This year we've found an decreasing number of rosettes at the known station. Let's hope these plants are spared this year and they will welcome us with the beautifull bee-like flowers.
The rosettes of the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)
Small Broomrape (Orabanche minor) occurs abunduntly even after mowingof the vegetation the previous year
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