Anacamptis morio. Orchis bouffon Green winged orchid. Where to find it ? Clic on the map and connect to Orchis sauvage, FFO-Fédération France Orchidées Green winged orchid ( Anacamptis morio ) formerly attached to the genus Orchis is a relatively common and rather early plant (from April to June). The genus is European and well represented in France with very common species such as the pyramidal Anacamptis (Orchis pyramidal) or others more localized mainly in the south of the country. Relatively easy to identify: the stem measures 10 to 30 cm, it is green and turns purple at the level of the inflorescence. The green, unspotted leaves are sometimes inconspicuous but generally bloom from the base. The flowers range from light pink to purple, The sepals and petals are grouped together in the shape of a helmet (like the majority Orchis). The sepals are striped, which will make it easy to differentiate the Jester Orchis from the male Orchis which sometimes shares the same biotope with the same flowering dates. A few meters away, confusion is possible. Click on the photos to enlarge

Orchidee-photo.com : Site de photographie des orchidées sauvages françaises et européennes. Discover orchids, Orchis, Ophrys, Epipactis, Anacamptis, Cephalanthera, Plantanthera. Photographies par Pascal Decologne. 5I8A5247 Décrivez votre image. Non-commercial site: you will never be asked for your personal details or to make any payment on this site. Photos of wild native orchids Discover Orchids from France and Europe by Pascal Decologne. Orchidee-photo.com France : Alpes maritimes, Var, Aude, Aveyron, Lozère, Jura, Queyras, Savoie, Essonne, Seine & Marne, Yvelines, Côte d'Or, Yonne. Sardinia (Italy) Gargano (Italy) Rhodes (Greece) Quick Access: Basics of Orchids Get free high definition files on demand: Order form . Illustrations d'orchidées européennes Orchids of France These orchids are present in France and for the vast majority in other European countries. There are no species of orchids endemic to France, but there are sometimes regional varieties that can be elevated to the rank of subspecies ( Ophrys aymoninii for example). Clic on pictures below to see more. Cypripedium calceolus. Sabot de Venus. Lady's slipper. Updated 07/2025 Serapias neglecta. Serapias négligé. Scarse serapias. Updated 06/2025 Anacamptis morio. Orchis bouffon. Green winged orchid. Updated 08/2023 Anacamptis papilionacea. Orchis papillon. Pink butterfly orchid. Updated 08/2023 Orchis simia. Orchis singe. Monkey orchid. Updated 09/2023 Orchis provincialis. Orchis de Provence. Provence orchid. Updated 09/2023 Traunsteinera globosa. Orchis globuleux. Globe orchid. Updated 09/2023 Gymnadenia corneliana. Nigritelle rose/de Cornelia. Cornelia's gymnadenia. Updated 08/2025 Chamorchis alpina. Orchis nain des Alpes. Alpine dwarf orchid. Updated 07/2025 Epipactis atrorubens. Epipactis pourpre. Dark red helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Epipactis microphylla. Epipactis à petites feuilles. Small leaved helleborine. Updated 10/2023. Neotinea tridentata. Orchis tridenté. Three toothed orchid. Updated 08/2024. Dactylorhiza fuchsii. Orchis de Fuchs. Common spotted orchid. Updated 10/2023 Dactylorhiza majalis. Orchis de Mai. Broad leaved marsh orchid. Updated 08/2025 Cephalanthera longifolia. Cephalanthère à longues feuilles. Sword leaved helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Ophrys apifera. Ophrys abeille. Bee orchid. Updated 08/2025 Ophrys aveyronensis. Ophrys de l'Aveyron. Aveyron orchid. Updated 02/2024. Ophrys passionis/caloptera. Ophrys de la passion. Passion flower orchid. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys splendida. Ophrys splendide. Brilliant orchid. Updated 08/2025. Ophrys fusca. Ophrys brun. Dark bee orchid. Updated 03/2024 Ophrys speculum. Ophrys miroir. Mirror orchid. Updated December 2023 Serapias lingua. Serapias en langue. Tongue orchid. Updated 08/2023 Serapias parviflora. Serapias à petites fleurs. Small flower tongue orchid. Updated 08/2023 Anacamptis longicornu. Orchis à long éperon. Long spurred orchid. Updated 08/2023 Anacamptis pyramidalis. Orchis pyramidal. Pyramidal orchid. Updated 08/2023 Orchis mascula. Orchis mâle. Male orchid. Updated 09/2023 Orchis anthropophora. Orchis homme pendu. Man orchid. Updated 09/2023 Gymnadenia conopsea. Orchis moucheron. Fragrant orchid. Updated 09/2023 Platanthera chlorantha. Platanthère verte. Greater butterfly orchid. Updated 09/2023 Coeloglossum viride. Orchis grenouille. Frog orchid. Updated 08/2024 Epipactis helleborine. Epipactis à larges feuilles. Broad leaved helleborine. Updated 08/2024. Epipactis palustris. Epipactis des marais. Marsh helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Neotinea maculata. Orchis intact. Dense flowered orchid. Updated 10/2023. Dactylorhiza maculata. Orchis maculé/tacheté. Heath spotted orchid. Updated 10/2023 Dactylorhiza praetermissa. Orchis négligé. Southern marsh orchid. Updated 08/2025 Cephalanthera damasonium. Cephalanthère blanche. Large white helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Ophrys scolopax. Ophrys bécasse. Woodcock orchid. Updated 12/2023 Ophrys sphegodes/aranifera. Ophrys araignée. Early spider orchid. Updated 01/2024 Ophrys massiliensis. Ophrys de Marseille. Marseille orchid. Updated 12/2023 Ophrys aurelia. Ophrys d'Aurélien. Bertoloni's bee orchid. Updated 08/2025. Pseudophrys non déterminés Ophrys bombyliflora. Ophrys bombyx. Bumble bee orchid. Updated December 2023 Serapias vomeracea. Serapias à labelle allongé. Long lipped serapias. Updated 06/2025 Spiranthes spiralis. Spiranthe d'automne. Autumn lady's tresses. Updated 08/2023 Anacamptis laxiflora. Orchis à fleurs lâches. Loose-flowered orchid. Updated 09/2023 Orchis purpurea. Orchis pourpre. Purple orchid. Updated 09/2023. Orchis spitzelii. Orchis de Spitzel. Spitzel male orchid. Updated 07/2025 Himantoglossum hircinum. Orchis bouc. Lizard orchid. Updated 09/2023 Gymnadenia odoratissima. Orchis très odorant. Short spurred fragrant orchid. Updated 09/2023 Platanthera bifolia. Platanthère à deux feuilles. Lesser butterfly orchid. Updated 09/2023 Neottia ovata. Listère ovale. Common twayblade. Updated 10/2023 Epipactis muelleri. Epipactis de Müller. Mueller's helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Epipactis purpurata. Epipactis pourpre . Violet helleborine. Updated 08/2025. Neotinea ustulata. Orchis brûlé. Burnt orchid. Updated 08/2025 Dactylorhiza elata. Orchis élevé. Robust marsh orchid. Updated 10/2023 Dactylorhiza sambucina. Orchis sureau. Elder flowered orchid. Updated 10/2023 Ophrys fuciflora. Ophrys frelon. Late spider orchid. Updated 08/2025 Ophrys philippi. Ophrys de Philippe. Philippe's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys incubacea. Ophrys noir. Dark spider orchid. Updated 01/2024. Ophrys araneola. Ophrys petite araignée. Early spider orchid. Updated 08/2024 Ophrys lutea. Ophrys jaune. Yellow bee orchid. Updated 01/2024 Ophrys insectifera. Ophrys mouche. Fly orchid. Updated 12/2023 Serapias cordigera . Serapias en coeur. Heart flowered serapias. Updated 06/2025 Goodyera repens. Goodyère rampante. Creeping lady's tresses. Updated 08/2023 Anacamptis coriophora fragrans. Orchis parfumé. Bug orchid. Updated 08/2025 Orchis militaris. Orchis militaire. Military orchid. Updated 09/2023 Orchis olbiensis. Orchis d'Hyères. Olbia orchis. Updated 08/2025 Himantoglossum robertianum. Barlie de Robert. Giant orchid. Updated 08/2025 Gymnadenia rhellicani. Orchis vanille. Black vanilla orchid. Updated 09/2023 Pseudorchis albida. Orchis miel. Small white orchid. Updated 10/2023 Neottia nidus-avis. Neottie nid d'oiseau. Bird's nest orchid. Updated 10/2023 Epipactis distans. Epipactis à feuilles distantes. Distant helleborine. Updated 08/2025. Neotinea lactea. Orchis lacté. Milky orchid. Updated 10/2023 Limodorum abortivum. Limodore à feuilles avortées. Violet limodore. Updated 10/2023 Dactylorhiza incarnata. Orchis incarnat. Early marsh orchid. Updated 10/2023 Cephalanthera rubra. Cephalanthère rouge. Red helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Ophrys druentica. Ophrys de la Durance. Durance orchid. Updated 08/2025 Ophrys tenthredinifera. Ophrys guêpe. Sawfly orchid. Updated 02/2024 Ophrys provincialis. Ophrys de Provence. Provence bee orchid Updated 06/2025. Ophrys arachnitiformis. Ophrys en forme d'araignée. False spider orchid. Updated 08/2024. Ophrys lupercalis. Ophrys des lupercales. Dark bee orchid. Ophrys aymoninii. Ophrys d'Aymonin. Fly orchid. Updated December 2023. Orchids of Sardinia Presentation of some endemic species of Sardinia (or mainly present on the island and rarely elsewhere). Click on pictures to access the gallery Ophrys annae. Ophrys d'Anne. Ophrys fuciflora subsp. annae . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys exaltata morisii. Ophrys de Moris. Ophrys x arachnitiformis . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys chestermanii. Ophrys de Chesterman. Ophrys fuciflora subsp. chestermanii . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys fusca iricolor subsp. eleonorae. Ophrys d'Eleonore . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys normanii. Ophrys de Norman. Ophrys tenthredinifera subsp. normanii . Updated 09/2024 Orchis ichnusae. Orchis de Sardaigne. Ophrys mascula subsp. ichnusae . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys exaltata morisii. Ophrys de Moris. Ophrys x arachnitiformis . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys exaltata morisii. Ophrys de Moris. Ophrys x arachnitiformis . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys exaltata morisii. Ophrys de Moris. Ophrys x arachnitiformis . Updated 09/2024 Orchids from Monte Gargano (Pouilles, It) Presentation of some typical species of Monte Gargano. (and not common with the French species presented above). Located in southern Italy, in the Puglia region, at the height of Naples, Monte Gargano is a small massif with mainly limestone soil that juts out into the Adriatic Sea. The lower part to the west attached to the Italian boot is a cultivated plain and the massif to the east is a land of olive trees and semi-dense forest. Its highest point is at 1050 meters (Monte Calvo - Bald Mountain), which installs a relative layering of vegetation from sea level to the summit plateaus and thus allows to observe a great diversity of orchids. The deciduous forest shelters only a few orchids, it will therefore be necessary to look for them on the edges or on the limestone plateaus often particularly bare. The little plant substrate on certain karst limestone slabs does not prevent the development of species of which some abound ( Anacamptis morio and papilionacea in particular). Over a full year, between 70 and 80 species and subspecies of orchids can be observed. Click on the photos to access the orchid species galleries. Orchis quadripunctata. Orchis à 4 points. Four spotted orchid. Updated 09/2024 Dactylorhiza romana. Orchis de Rome. Roman orchid. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys apulica. Ophrys des Pouilles. Ophrys fuciflora subsp. apulica. Updated 09/2024 Orchis italica. Orchis d'Italie. Naked man orchid. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys bertolonii-bertoloniiformis. Ophrys de Bertoloni. Bertoloni's bee orchid. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys parvimaculata. Ophrys à petite macule. Ophrys fuciflora subsp. parvimaculata. Updated 09/2024 Orchis pauciflora. Orchis pauciflore. Sparse flowered orchid. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys biscutella. Ophrys à 2 losanges. Small-mirror ophrys. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys garganica. Ophrys du Gargano. Ophrys sphegodes subsp. passionis . Mise à jour 09/2024 Ophrys promontorii. Promontory Ophrys. Ophrys lunulata subsp. promontorii . Updated 09/2024 Orchids of Rhodes (Greece) Presentation of some typical species from the island of Rhodes (and not shared with the French species presented above). 18 original species to discover Rhodes is a medium-sized Greek island located far from mainland Greece but close to the Turkish coast. It is about 80 km long and up to 40 km wide, with a highest point at 1200 m (Mount Attavyros). The biotopes are relatively varied depending on altitude. Mount Profitis Ilias, near Mount Attavyros, is wooded all the way to the top, while the latter, being higher, is completely barren from around 700 meters of elevation. These two adjoining massifs trap clouds, and the vegetation is denser and greener than in the rest of the island, which experiences frequent wildfires, especially in the central and southern parts. Rhodes is renowned for its orchids, some of which are also found in Crete or Turkey. However, one should not expect high densities outside a few rare spots. During the period I visited (early April), I encountered other species not listed below because they are common in France and do not exhibit island-specific characteristics. Some photos taken on-site will therefore be included in the iconography of French species. These species are visible, sometimes relatively abundant, and in full bloom (unless otherwise noted): Anacamptis pyramidalis (beginning of flowering), Anacamptis coriophora fragrans (beginning of flowering), Anacamptis laxiflora, Anacamptis papilionacea, Anacamptis picta, Limodorum abortivum (not flowering), Orchis provincialis, Orchis italica, Himantoglossum robertianum (end of flowering), Neotinea maculata, Neotinea lactea, Ophrys bombyliflora, Ophrys speculum. Ophrys phryganae and Ophrys sicula can also be found, though they are sometimes difficult to distinguish and are occasionally treated as Ophrys lutea, which is well known elsewhere. With GPS coordinates that eliminate the need for prospecting, one could find around forty species and subspecies during this period. That wasn't my case, but I was able to benefit from information shared by other orchid enthusiasts I met locally to complement my research. I can provide GPS data for a few representative spots I personally observed, for future visitors. Given potential biotope changes (construction, roadwork, fires), it's best to rely on recent data. These coordinates date from April 2025. You can also consult recent 2024 and 2025 field reports from the UK-based tour operator Mariposa. No GPS points, but location indications: 👉 https://www.mariposanature.com/destinations/greece In early April, the climate is pleasant, with temperatures not exceeding 25°C and often much lower (especially at night! — be sure to check if your accommodation has auxiliary heating). I personally experienced many rainy days. Luckily or not, it shows in the photos… In the island’s interior, there are very few gas stations and hardly any places to eat outside the summer season. Even though distances are never very long, it's important to plan ahead. The road network is fairly well maintained, and parking is usually easy without obstructing traffic, as the roads are wide enough. Locals themselves don't hesitate to park partly on the road when stopping. Guides on the orchids of Rhodes are not very up to date and are unavailable new (Orchids Crete & Dodecanese by H. & G. Kretzschmar, The Orchids of Crete and Rhodes by C.A.J. Kreutz). You will therefore need to rely on more general guides (see the “Guides” tab on this site): 👉 https://www.orchidee-photo.com/guides-livres Click on pictures to access the gallery Anacamptis sancta. Orchis saint. Holy orchid. Updated 06/2025 Orchis anatolica. Orchis d'Anatolie. Anatolian orchid. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys mammosa. Ophrys à mamelles. Breasted ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys regis ferdinandii. Ophrys du Roi Ferdinand. King Ferdinand's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys rhodia. Ophrys de Rhodes. Rhodian ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Serapias orientalis. Serapias oriental. Eastern serapias. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys cretica ssp beloniae. Ophrys de Belon. Belon's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys korae. Ophrys de Coré. Core's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys omegaifera. Ophrys omega. Omega ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys umbilicata. Ophrys ombilic. Umbilical ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys oestrifera. Ophrys taon. Horned bee orchis. Updated 06/2025 Serapias bergonii. Serapias de Bergon. Bergoni's serapias. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys ferrum equinum. Ophrys fer à cheval. Horseshoe ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys reinholdii. Ophrys de Reinhold. Reinhold's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys attaviria. Ophrys attavyros. Attavyros ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys episcopalis. Ophrys episcopal. Large flowered bee ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys dodekanensis. Ophrys du Dodecanèse . Dodecanese ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Orchids of Rhodes (Greece) Presentation of some typical species of Monte Gargano. (and not common with the French species presented above). Located in southern Italy, in the Puglia region, at the height of Naples, Monte Gargano is a small massif with mainly limestone soil that juts out into the Adriatic Sea. The lower part to the west attached to the Italian boot is a cultivated plain and the massif to the east is a land of olive trees and semi-dense forest. Its highest point is at 1050 meters (Monte Calvo - Bald Mountain), which installs a relative layering of vegetation from sea level to the summit plateaus and thus allows to observe a great diversity of orchids. The deciduous forest shelters only a few orchids, it will therefore be necessary to look for them on the edges or on the limestone plateaus often particularly bare. The little plant substrate on certain karst limestone slabs does not prevent the development of species of which some abound ( Anacamptis morio and papilionacea in particular). Over a full year, between 70 and 80 species and subspecies of orchids can be observed. Click on pictures to access the gallery Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Free orchid illustration photos : The photographs presented are not downloadable but as they are not for sale either, I can provide files on request and free of charge. Tell me the desired views, the required definition and the use you wish to make of them beforehand. Indicate the desired reference in the contact form. Ex: OP/AP 01 (Ophrys apifera 01) which appears in the photo caption.

Découvrez Ophrys scolopax Ophrys becasse sur Orchidée-photo.com Ophrys philippi. Ophrys de Philippe. Philippe's ophrys. (Grenier) The description of Philippe's Ophrys dates back to 1859, but it was initially considered a hybrid of Ophrys scolopax x Ophrys aranifera. The species is rare and was overshadowed for many years before being "rediscovered" by Pierre-Michel Blais, the current cartographer of the Var. It is apparently the rarest endemic ophrys in France, with only a handful of locations known, solely in the southern part of the Var department. Click on the photos to enlarge

Platanthera bifolia. Platanthère à deux feuilles. Lesser butterfly orchid. Almost as widespread as Planthera chlorantha, this orchid can be found from sea level (but not from Brittany to Pas de Calais) up to 2000 meters. It grows in open meadows and in shaded areas from the end of April to July for high altitude locations. In metropolitan France, we also find Platanthera chlorantha. Differentiating the two is not easy from a morphological point of view: from 20 to 60 cm, the same shades and similar leaves. It will therefore be necessary to approach it closely and observe the inside of the flower. The anthers are distant and trapezoidal in shape for chlorantha and tight and parallel for bifolia. The first views of these two species will therefore illustrate this point. Click on the photos to enlarge

Neotinea tridentata. Orchis tridenté. Dense flowered orchid. Medium-sized plant (20 to 40 cm) with a ball-shaped inflorescence. Grows in limestone soil in full light to semi-shade. Very similar to other Neotinea (lactea, conica), it differs from them by its more accentuated "points" on the helmet composed of the reunification of the petals and sepals. The coloring can vary between slightly pinkish white and purple. Click on the photos to enlarge

Ophrys arachnitiformis. Ophrys en forme d'araignée. False spider orchid. Ophrys arachnitiformis is one of the species that is not always easy to identify, especially since the authors of guides (as well as many pseudo-specialists) do not always have the same definition, consider that the geographical distribution differs, or do not present similar illustrations. It must be considered as a subspecies of Ophrys sphegodes from the Mediterranean rim with a rather early flowering. The sepals and petals are white to pink with a medium-sized labellum. As sometimes, everything is a matter of conviction but not always of convincing scientific elements, we must therefore remain cautious and for my part, I deliver this description and these views with all reserve in the hope of a finally settled debate and a precise diagnosis for the future. Click on the photos to enlarge

Ophrys bombyliflora. Ophrys bombyx. Bumble bee orchid Small Ophrys in terms of the size of the plant and flowers. Mediterranean distribution and quite rare presence in continental France. It is more easily found in Corsica. Easily recognizable with its rounded appearance and its sepals appearing very large compared to the labellum. Click on the photos to enlarge

Epipactis muelleri. Epipactis de Müller. Mueller's helleborine. The flower is typical of Epipactis in its shape with petals and sepals of the same whitish/greenish colour. The hypochile is dark brown in colour. Like all Epipactis, it flowers in June/July in semi-shade. It can also be found on the side of the road at high altitudes. In Epipactis, the labellum is divided into two parts: the hypochile, concave, contains more or less nectar, which gives it a shiny appearance, and the epichile, often pointed, sometimes folded, with a complex appearance, rarely smooth and covered with bumps, hollows or furrows that allow insects to cling while they draw nectar. Petals and sepals are generally of the same color, more or less greenish. The pollinia, once stuck on the head of the insect, slowly disintegrate, which allows several flowers to be fertilized. Click on the photos to enlarge

Anacamptis coriophora subsp . fragrans. Anteriorchis coriophora . Orchis parfumé. Bug orchid. (Pollini) Floraison 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Where to find it ? Clic on the map and connect to Orchis sauvage, FFO-Fédération France Orchidées If Anacamptis coriophora (the Bug Orchid) is both robust and malodorous, Anacamptis coriophora subsp. fragrans (the Fragrant Orchid) is noticeably more delicate and has a suave yet discreet scent. The flowers are small and close to the spike, attractively coloured and speckled. The plant most often reaches about twenty centimetres in height. Click on the photos to enlarge

Ophrys apifera. Ophrys abeille. Bee orchid (Hudson) Ophrys apifera : A discreet orchid but not rare in France. Its small size (between 10 and 30 cm) hides it in the sometimes tall grass but it also happens to find stems of more than 50 cm. It is one of the last Ophrys to flower (May to June). The design on the labellum can vary but the short and compact shape prevents confusion with other ophrys. The 3 sepals are generally more or less dark pink, and can also tend towards white. The dorsal sepal is often very far back. The two lateral petals are very atrophied and hairy: this is an important element for identification. The gibbosities are hairy. The species can self-fertilize which contributes to its "clonic" spread from a single individual. Eucera (bees) can also pollinate flowers and sometimes help create hybrids. We can find atypical individuals which according to their recurrence of form or coloration have a variety name (trollii, friburgensis...). This species is a treat for lovers of lusus or varieties. It is found in almost all French departments on calcareous soils and in full light, in semi-shaded orchards, rarely above 1000 m altitude. It invites itself into some private lawns as long as seeds arrive spontaneously and it is allowed to grow between April and June without mowing it inadvertently... Click on the photos to enlarge

Anacamptis papilionacea. Orchis papillon. Pink butterfly orchid. Where to find it ? Clic on the map and connect to Orchis sauvage, FFO-Fédération France Orchidées The Butterfly Orchid is a large orchid that generally lives in colonies around the Mediterranean. Confusion with other species is almost impossible. The leaves are short, sheathing and not spotted. Petals and sepals are finely veined. The serrated labellum is more or less curved. It can be narrow and plain to very wide and finely striated: we are then on the spectacular "Grandiflora" variety. Its color is generally lighter than the other floral parts. Click on the photos to enlarge

Sélection de livres et de guides d'orchidées de france et d'europe Selection of books and guides on orchids from France and Europe. Below you will find a selection of books and guides related to orchids. For each book, the main data are mentioned as well as the availability (without guarantee) from booksellers or from the publisher. The books presented are recent and can be easily found new or used. Only the links to the publisher are activated when the book is still available on its site. Orchid guides France Orchid guides France regions Orchid Guides Europe Orchid guides Europe countries Complementary orchid books Artistic Orchid Books France guides Orchids from France, Belgium and Luxembourg. (Collective of authors under the aegis of the French Orchid Society) Biotope Editions . 500 pages. 17x24 format and weight not very compatible (1500 g) as a field guide. Published 2005, second edition. Publisher price €45. Ean code 9782914817110 The best book on French Orchids: presents each species with the identification keys. The iconographic base remains summary (2 to 3 views) and will be the only notable flaw of this guide. The introductory part of almost 150 pages is without a doubt the best documented of the current guides and is almost worth buying the book on its own. A distribution map by department and criterion/color (Common, localized, rare, disappeared, absent) will prove very useful for directing your research. Random distribution, publisher break. Available on the FFO website. New version coming in 2025... in principle. Guide to orchids in France, Switzerland and the Benelux. (Pierre Delforge) Editions Delachaux and Niestlé . 350 pages. 13x20 format, almost practical as a field guide. Weight 800 g. Published in 2021, 3rd revised and expanded edition. Publisher price €29.90. Ean code 9782603027820 An introductory part of about thirty pages. A few identification keys embellish this book which suffers from insufficient iconography (2 views per species most often). The descriptive part, although very useful, could be more complete if the author limited the supporting elements of nomenclature or taxonomy which are otherwise subjects of discord with regard to him and which sometimes take up too much of the pagination. The distribution maps are intended to be very precise but the scale proposed does not allow to locate a place sought on these maps and even less to validate the certain, probable or uncertain presence of a species via its geographical presence. This apparent precision is therefore not of great help for the determination of a taxon. Its size and weight (800 g all the same...) allow you to take it with you, but taking it out of your bag to identify an orchid in the field seems time-consuming and often doomed to failure. It is better to photograph as much as possible the orchid encountered (entire plant, flower from several angles) and look at all this calmly on your return. Failure to respect the current (official) nomenclature could waste the neophyte's time. The strong points lie in the quality of the descriptions and, even with the reservations expressed, the considerable scientific background of the work. Available Petits formats et petits prix mais vont dans la poche ou le sac à dos ! Guide to common orchids of France by F Jouandoudet (Editions Sud-ouest) 60 p. 35 species, so probably not enough, but it can be a start. Description and cartography are nevertheless strong points of this mini guide that you can easily take with you. Random availability out of stock publisher. Guide to the orchids of France . Find and recognize them. (Editions Sud-ouest). 116 p. €8.50. Same author and same publisher for a more erudite book: 57 species described, still presence maps and a proposal of 32 botanical itineraries. To be preferred to the previous one given the low price. Random availability out of stock publisher. Wild orchids (Editions Debaisieux) 132 p. 14 €. EAN code 9782913381841. 70 species described and illustrated with one to three photos. Cartography. Format and weight compatible to take on a walk. Do not trust the stickers (In Aveyron, or Tarn etc..., it is always the same work). Random availability through local distributors (newsagents, supermarkets). Guide to orchids in France by F Dusak, P Lebas, P Pernot ( Editions Belin ) 224 p. Format 11x21. €16.95. Ean code 9782701146812. An almost exhaustive review of native orchids. The perfect guide to get started and take on a walk. Descriptions, flowering dates, identification tips and distribution maps or, failing that, indication of the regions of presence. Available. Reissued work with new cover Les ouvrages coup de coeur ! Guide to wild orchids of France . Life size. (Rémy Souche) Editions Les créations du Pélican/Vilo. 340 pages. Format 23x31. Paperback. Published in 2004. Publisher price €47. EAN code 9782719106426. This is probably not the best organized book for species identification (entries in the book are by the French vernacular name) but everything is there nevertheless and sometimes in large format: descriptions, quite numerous photos, presence by region thanks to maps. It can also be criticized for not respecting the nomenclature for certain species. Rémy Souche is sometimes more passionate than scientific, but as an erudite botanist, he gives us a superb work full of information, particularly on the history of ancient orchidology. Hard to find new but available second-hand. Up Les guides France régionaux Discovering the wild orchids of Rhône-Alpes . 2nd edition Collective of authors. Paperback. €30. Format 17x24. EAN code: 9782366622003 Biotope Editions A book that combines all the qualities that one can expect: description of species, distribution maps and even discovery routes via a separate booklet. The only criticism that can be made concerns the iconography which is a little limited to 2 or 3 views per species. Available. Discovering Orchids in Languedoc and Catalan country. Collective of authors. Paperback. €30. 370 pages, 17x24 format. EAN code: 9782366622225 Biotope Editions A work that combines all the qualities that one can expect: description of species, identification keys, distribution maps and even 22 discovery routes. The only criticism that one can make concerns the iconography a little limited to 2 or 3 views per species. Available. Discovering the Orchids of Alsace and Lorraine. Collective of authors. Paperback. €30. 380 pages, 17x24 format. EAN code: 9782366621716 Biotope Editions A book that combines all the qualities that one can expect: description of species, identification keys, distribution maps and even 18 discovery routes. The number of species presented being less numerous than in the other regional guides at Biotope, a larger place is devoted to iconography. Available. Wild orchids of Ile de France. François Dusak and Pascal Pernot. Paperback. €30. 210 pages, 17x24 format. EAN code: 9782951037946 Biotope Editions The Ile de France is probably not the most prolific region in France in terms of orchid species, but one is surprised when reading the book to note that despite the galloping urbanization, pockets of nature shelter many unexpected species. The scientific part is pleasantly developed and the species are presented with a description, distribution map and 3 to 4 views per taxon. Not available in bookstores but available at the FFO boutique Up Guides to European orchids Discovery guide to European & Mediterranean Orchids (Kuhn R, Pedersen H & Cribb Ph) Editions Biotope . 430 pages. Paperback. EAN code: 9782366622461. 16x24 format and weight not very compatible (1100 g) for a field guide. Publication 1st half of 2020 in French version, original version 2019. NB: New edition in English 2024 by another publisher. Publisher price €39. Ean code 9782366622461 Superb work by a collective of authors. The edition presents 300 species with 2000 illustrations, which makes it the reference work currently for visual identifications. The respect of the nomenclature currently in force makes it a solid basis for naming correctly each species. Since all French species are represented, it can also be used for the national orchid flora. The introductory part and generalities on orchids (30 pages) will however be insufficient for a complete knowledge of this floral family. The cards distribution taking into account the scale treated remain summary but can prove useful. The ultra-optimized layout does not make it a pleasant work at first but its qualities are in the informative richness. Available Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Near East . (Delforge P) Editions Delachaux et Niestlé . 540 pages. 14.5x20 format and very limited weight (1100 g) for a field guide. Published in 2016, 4th revised and expanded edition. Publisher's price €39 Ean code 9782603024072 Long a reference work due to its exhaustiveness on species: more than 600! The author unfortunately adopts certain personal biases by multiplying their number precisely, which will not make the task easy for neophytes. Last downside since the iconographic base is only 2 to 3 views per species. The introductory part of less than 30 pages will only give bases for the knowledge of orchids but keys of determination inside the edition will usefully complete this first part. No distribution maps but only the indication of the country, which turns out to be clearly insufficient: the presence by country of a species will be of little use to help with the determination. Available. Orchidées d'Europe, d'Afrique du Nord et du moyen-orient. (Carel Kreutz) En anglais 1200 pages. Format 18x25. Poids 3 kg. Parution 2024 . Auto-édition. Px éditeur 50 € Code ean 9789083141121 Cet ouvrage recense pas moins de 950 espèces et 125 variétés ! Belle mise en page avec une présentation claire et aérée et une iconographie de qualité comme pour les autres ouvrages de Kreutz. On trouvera les informations descriptives, de présence géographique, de période de floraison ou d'altitude. Les taxons apparaissent au rang d'espèce uniquement, les sous-espèces sont élevées au rang supérieur. En marge est précisé le rattachement de l'espèce à son groupe (ex O forestieri dans le groupe Fuscae) Au chapitre des points négatifs, il faudra noter l'absence de cartes de présence (mais les informations pays sont fournies) et l'index de fin d'ouvrage très sommaire : uniquement basé sur les noms scientifiques, le tri se fait en fonction d'une nouvelle nomenclature avec des genres qui ne font pas toujours l'unanimité au sein de la communauté orchidophile (Odontorchis, herorchis, vermeulenia...). Il faut donc savoir préalablement à quel genre appartient l'espèce pour y accéder dans l'index des 1080 taxons. Disponible à la boutique des éditions Biotope ou sur Amazon. Up Orchids of Europe by country. Orchid of Italy. Guide to spontaneous orchids. Third edition. In Italian Collective of authors under the aegis of Giros (Gruppo italiano per la ricerca sulle Orchidee Spontanee) Publisher Ilcastelloeditore. €35. Paperback. Format 17x24. 480 pages. EAN code: 9788827604472 267 taxa presented after a reduced introduction compared to the previous edition. The book presents above all the species with a distribution map, the flowering periods, the description of use and according to the species, from 2 to 10 photos. Available locally or on Amazon.it Atlas of the Greek orchids. 2 volumes. in English Spyros Tsiftsis. Zissis Antonopoulos. Mediterraneo editions . €140. Hardcover. 1000 pages. 15x21 format. 2 complete works, superbly done on the orchids of Greece. The descriptions are basic but the iconography is rich. There are distribution maps as well as flowering periods. The price is high and it is still better to order it from the publisher but there are few works of this quality on the whole of the Greek islands. Available. Up Additional works to find out more. Orchids of Europe. Flowers and pollination. Accessible scientific work and wealth of knowledge on orchid pollination and floral parts. The genres are discussed without detailing each species, so it will not be a tool for identifying or having a complete overview of the species. The book is full of photos and sketches as well as statistical tables on pollinators in particular. Maybe not essential but fascinating nonetheless. 450 pages. Hardcover, 24x30 format. Biotope Editions . 65 € EAN code: 9782366621778 Available Atlas of orchids of France. An almost essential complement to the Guide to Orchids of France published by Biotope above, you will find this book from the same publisher, which maps out fairly precisely on a map of France the possible meeting places of our national orchids: description of the biotopes for each species and presence maps. 400 pages. Hardcover, 21x30 format. Editions Biotope . €40 (€20 from the publisher) EAN code: 9782914817622 Available. Italian Ophrys. Rémy Souche, Rolando Romolini and watercolors by Lorenzo Dotti. Self-published 2012. €65 + €15 postage. 580 pages. 23x23 format. Hardcover. Ean code 9782918075028. The book is bilingual French/Italian. A richly illustrated panorama with numerous views by species allows to grasp all the richness of Italian Ophrys. The introduction is as always with R Souche (and R Romolini) erudite with numerous historical entries. Some plates reproducing watercolors by Lorenzo Dotti give another point of view on orchids. Magnificent! Available from the author Rémy Souche, ophrysdefrance@orange.fr 7 Route des Cévennes 34380 Saint-Martin-de-Londres 06 20 30 35 27 Ophrys of France. (and Catalonia) Rémy Souche. Watercolors by Marianne Fabre. Self-published 2021. €65 + €15 postage. 600 pages. 23x23 format. Hardcover. Ean code 9782918075042. Another reference for the knowledge of orchids of the Mediterranean basin. The book begins with a broad and erudite historical introduction and presents the species of French Ophrys with numerous photographic illustrations. You will also find superb watercolors by the Aveyron artist Marianne Fabre. Well presented, complete, a reference work! Please note that a booklet of 74 reproductions of watercolors is also available. EAN code 9782918075059 at the price of €75 + €10 postage. 23x23 format. Printed on tintoretto support (250 gr structured paper to highlight the works). Available from the author Rémy Souche, ophrysdefrance@orange.fr 7 Route des Cévennes 34380 Saint-Martin-de-Londres 06 20 30 35 27 Ophrys hybrids from the western Mediterranean basin. Remy Souche Self-published 2008. 290 pages. Paperback. Format 17x23. Price €33.50 postage included. The book is the most complete and dedicated to Ophrys hybrids and contrary to what its name indicates goes beyond the Mediterranean rim without claiming to be exhaustive of course. 1 photo per hybrid but these being unique, impossible to embrace everything. The guide begins with a "wall" of images that allows for quick identification of the hybrids that are discussed further inside the book. Well done on the author's part, his other books use the same handy trick! Available on the FFO website. Available from the author Rémy Souche, ophrysdefrance@orange.fr 7 Route des Cévennes 34380 Saint-Martin-de-Londres 06 20 30 35 27 Up Works with an artistic vocation. Wild orchids of Europe. Bo Mossberg. Henrik Pedersen Artemis editions . €35. 2017 edition. 28x22 format. If you are nostalgic for old illustrations based on drawings and watercolors, you will surely like this book. Before photography, there were talented illustrators who knew how to synthesize all the richness of plants in a single watercolor while it sometimes takes several photos to describe orchids stem, leaves and flowers at the same time. Bo Mossberg, a contemporary illustrator, with his art, knows how to alternate general views and close-ups in order to help us discern the essence of each species (200 in total). This is not a field book because of its 22x28 format but consulting it quietly at home and finding your own discoveries through all these illustrations will make you spend wonderful moments. H Pedersen's descriptions are no less talented and instructive. Available. Wild orchids from our regions. Flammarion. Hardcover. EAN code: 9782081253353 Photographer and botanist, Laurent Bessol presents a hundred French orchids. Many close-ups will allow you to identify your own discoveries even if this is not the primary purpose of this book in the generous 25x32 format. The orchids are presented in order of flowering and the many photos are accompanied by short but informative texts. Hard to find new but available second-hand. Up