Some Portuguese Orchids for ID (1 Viewer)

[Tib78]

Hi all,

I was on holydays from the 20th of february to the 3rd of march in Portugal.

Although these holydays were not dedicated to nature, I managed to record some nice birds (Richard's pipit; Ring ouzel; Blue rock thrush; Dartford warbler; Southern grey shrike; Little owl and Black-shouldered kite come to mind.)

I also saw a couple of early Orchids already flowering, which was a nice surprise. I'd like some help for their identification.

Some Ophrys first (my favourite genus!):

- pic 1: seen on a coastal cliff between Vila nova de milfontes and Almograve (Alentejo) O.tenthredinifera?

- pic 2 and 3: On the roadside near Odeceixe (Algave) O.tenthredinifera? Same plant on both pics.

- pic 4 and 5: same place as the previous one; same plant on both pics.

Thanks in advance

 

[Simon Wates]

Tib, they are all O.tenthredinifera - there are a few other spp. in flower now on the Algarvian limestones.

Here's a list of species with normal flowering times down here:
http://www.algarvebirdman.com/default.asp?o=17690

Hey - nice photos!!

 

[Tib78]

Well that what quick Simon! Thanks a million.

I must admit I am bit disappointed that the last one is also an O.tenthredinifera. I thought the shape and pattern of the label would point to a different taxon.

Hey - nice photos!!

Thanks! I have already had a look at your site.

What a great place for birding you have down there with lots of natural spaces...add to that the climate, the tasty (and cheap!) food and the charming people...Portugal is a great place!


One more from Alentejo: Orchis papilionaceae?

 

[Simon Wates]

Oh dear its Orchis papilionaceae - I've never found that in the Algarve and I think its very localised in the Baixo Alentejo - here's a link with a map of records:

http://www.flora-on.pt/index.php#/70va6

On looking it looks like there is what I think must be a recent record from central Algarve - Rocha da Pena maybe?

Anyway, without giving exact location away, where did you find this approximately?

 

[Simon Wates]

I must admit I am bit disappointed that the last one is also an O.tenthredinifera. I thought the shape and pattern of the label would point to a different taxon.

They are immensely variable in this respect - though never manage to look like other Ophrys down here.

 

[Simon Wates]

What a great place for birding you have down there with lots of natural spaces...add to that the climate, the tasty (and cheap!) food and the charming people...Portugal is a great place!

Its a privilege - despite the economy problems here the quality of life is really enhanced by all the qualities you mention

 

[LizandDave]

Fantastic orchids, thanks for sharing
Dave

 

[Tib78]

Fantastic orchids, thanks for sharing
Dave

Thanks, though in all fairness it was mostly a selfish move on my part as I wanted help to ID my orchids!
Glad you enjoyed anyway!

 

[Tib78]

Some more on the roadside betwen Mertola and Serpa (Alentejo).

Orchis morio ?

 

[LizandDave]

Lovely images, they look like Green Winged Orchids that we see in the UK in May.Anacamptis morio in Harrap's book."Lateral sepals always show fine, green parallel lines" "Leaves never spotted".

hope that helps but I'm a relative beginner with orchids.
Dave

 

[Tib78]

Any opinion on these Simon?

 

[Simon Wates]

Sorry Tib - somehow I overlooked your latest post. I would agree with Orchis morio and I should think they are the subspecies morio. Problem is there is a lot of clinal variability and I'm not well versed enough to asign the subsp. with any confidence. However, in my experience this is the regular one on soils in the area you saw them (fascinating area no - Tib?). Your plants are pretty early - can't remember seeing them before about the 10th March - but then, when I'm out in the Baixo Alentejo I'm usually too distracted with the birds!

I know some sources treat this species as an Anacamptis but I prefer to follow Flora ibérica, who treat them as Orchis - see attached:

 

[Tib78]

Thanks Simon and Dave.

It looks like a fascinating place indeed Simon. I wish I have had more time to look for birds (and orchids) when I was down there...