Résultats de recherche

Herbaria and Old Illustrations: Before photography and why not today as an alternative, illustrations are the first tools of naturalists. You will find after my own photographs some old illustrations from the 16th century to the first half of the 20th century. Among the oldest representations, it will sometimes be very complicated to recognize in these naive and approximate drawings for some, our orchids as we know them. It is unfortunately just as complicated to search in herbariums for a way to identify our discoveries. Among the significant works or the most representative illustrators of European terrestrial orchids, we can cite: - Franz Bauer (1758-1840). Austrian but worked at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew Garden. - Illustrated flora of Nice and the Maritime Alps (1868) by Jean Baptiste Barla (1817-1896). - Iconography of orchids of Europe and the Mediterranean basin (1929) by Edmond Camus (1852-1915). - Claus Caspari (1911-1980), German illustrator. - Jacobus Landwehr (1911-1996): Dutch author and illustrator of the 2-volume work Orchids of Europe (1977). - Eliza Klopfenstein (1921-2018): Belgian illustrator. Créer ses propres illustrations Quand on ne possède pas de talent pour le dessin ou la peinture, il existe des moyens modernes d'illustrer ses publications malgré tout. Dans quel intérêt ? L'illustration remplace avantageusement la photo lorsqu'elle permet de présenter une plante sous différents angles en créant un "bouquet" ou en présentant les différentes fleurs sur la tige avec un angle qui varie. Un illustrateur doué va synthétiser toutes les caractéristiques de l'espèce parfois avec une seule vue là ou le photographe aura besoin de nombreuses vues parfois. Présenter la plante en pied de façon dégagée alors qu'elle pousse dans un environnement chargé est aussi un plus pour l'identification. Il est aussi aisé de remplacer sur l'illustration des fleurs défraichies par une succession de fleurs toutes à leur optimum ! De nombreux softs existent depuis quelques années mais les résultats très formatés se contentent d'appliquer un effet sur votre photo avec un rendu parfois discutable. Les logiciels de création graphique se revendiquant de posséder une IA sont clairement les solutions d'avenir car ils recréent une vue en fonction d'un style que vous définissez : fournissez une vue avec le style souhaité puis votre photo à convertir et vous obtiendrez un résultat convaincant. Les meilleurs sont généralement payants, dans les versions gratuites attendez vous à des limitations : de temps, de nombre de vues possibles notamment mais heureusement le résultat est normalement identique en payant ou en gratuit. Vous trouverez à côté et plus bas quelques exemples réalisés avec un prompt (instructions pour l'IA) assez basique.

Orchidee-photo.com : Site personnel de photographie des orchidées sauvages françaises et européennes. Découvrez Orchidées, Orchis, Ophrys, Epipactis, Sabot de Venus, Cephalanthère, Plantanthère. Site et 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 . 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. Pseudophrys non déterminés Ophrys bombyliflora. Ophrys bombyx. Bumble bee 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 lutea. Ophrys jaune. Yellow bee orchid. Updated 01/2024 Ophrys insectifera. Ophrys mouche. Fly orchid. Updated 12/2023 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 10/2023. 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 lupercalis. Ophrys des lupercales. Dark bee orchid. Ophrys aymoninii. Ophrys d'Aymonin. Fly orchid. Updated December 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 10/2023. 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 fusca. Ophrys brun. Dark bee orchid. Updated 03/2024 Ophrys speculum. Ophrys miroir. Mirror 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 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 Serapias orientalis. Serapias oriental. Eastern serapias. Updated 06/2025 Serapias bergonii. Serapias de Bergon. Bergoni's serapias. Updated 06/2025 Orchis anatolica. Orchis d'Anatolie. Anatolian orchid. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys cretica ssp beloniae. Ophrys de Belon. Belon's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys ferrum equinum. Ophrys fer à cheval. Horseshoe ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys mammosa. Ophrys à mamelles. Breasted ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys korae. Ophrys de Coré. Core's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys reinholdii. Ophrys de Reinhold. Reinhold's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys regis ferdinandii. Ophrys du Roi Ferdinand. King Ferdinand's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys omegaifera. Ophrys omega. Omega ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys attaviria. Ophrys attavyros. Attavyros ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys rhodia. Ophrys de Rhodes. Rhodian ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys umbilicata. Ophrys ombilic. Umbilical ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys episcopalis. Ophrys episcopal. Large flowered bee ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys oestrifera. Ophrys taon. Horned bee orchis. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys dodekanensis. Ophrys du Dodecanèse . Dodecanese 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.

Ophrys sphegodes/aranifera. Ophrys araignée. Early spider orchid An orchid that is not very visible like most Ophrys whose flowers are not very colorful. Measuring between 10 and 40 cm and growing on calcareous soils: wastelands, verges. The design on the labellum is very variable and the normally green sepals and petals can be slightly colored yellow or pink. The labellum is rather elongated and the appendage is barely visible because it is curved backwards. The basal field is concolorous to the labellum but often lighter. The macular pattern is H-shaped, more or less blended into the entire macule. This H is sometimes very clearly edged with white. The pseudo-eyes are quite large and bright. There is a thin yellow margin around the labellum but often barely visible because of its convexity. Gibbosities are sometimes visible but not very marked and not at all or weakly pointed. It is found in many French departments but mainly in the west of the country and not at high altitudes. Other close species take its place in other departments where it would be rarer. One can legitimately wonder if so many species are not duplicates, the differences are sometimes subtle especially if we consider that the variations exist elsewhere within a population of the same station. All these species were named at a time when communication between scientists was not as developed and it seems difficult even today to find a consensus. At the same time as the author writes this, he is pilloried by a certain number of regional observers who could read these lines and who will refuse to admit that their local "species" does not have its identity or is just a synonym. Its name is still debated and we seem to agree on Ophrys sphegodes but we will find many documents or works with Ophrys aranifera. It is a relatively early orchid and can be observed between March and May. Click on the photos to enlarge

Découvrez Ophrys fuciflora Ophrys frelon sur Orchidée-photo.com Ophrys druentica. Ophrys de la Durance. Durance orchid. (P. Delforge & Viglione) Ophrys druentica was only described in 2006. This shows that it is not one of the absolutely essential species among the taxa related to Ophrys fuciflora. It is difficult to find fundamental differences with the type species. Ophrys × souchei or Ophrys aegertica, which are very similar and also described more recently (in 2012 and 1996 respectively), belong to this group of regional species that do not revolutionize taxonomy, neither through morphology, phenology, nor flowering period. The same goes for micro-populations (<200 individuals) such as those of Ophrys montis-aviarii (and likewise for Ophrys demangei or Ophrys linearis, considered late-flowering to justify their existence, though some orchid enthusiasts are surprised and proud to find them precociously during field trips...!!). Thus, everything overlaps, and even the authors mention possible hybrids... which complicates identification (sic). Are we going mad with Ophrys fuciflora? Kew Garden currently lists Ophrys druentica only as a synonym of Ophrys fuciflora. The species is therefore presented here to report the specimens encountered in the Var under the local name. Almost all of the photographs shown below (May 8 and 9) were taken on a site of 300 to 500 m² and illustrate the diversity of the species within a colony. Often, identifications are made by “sheep-like behavior,” and species are recognized according to the place and date of the shot rather than what they truly are. Swap the photos while declaring another location and date, and no one would detect the trick...

Présentation et démarche du site internet Orchidée-photo.com Approach Space dedicated to enthusiasts of wild orchids in France: The texts and photos on this site do not claim to be scientific or artistic but aim to help better understand the nature around us, which we often know little about. All photos are taken by the author of these lines, and engravings are borrowed from old, public domain works. The photos can be viewed, and I can provide free files upon request if you indicate their intended use. The first tabs showcase orchids found in France, but they are not endemic and can also be found in other European countries. Some of the illustrative photos come from other countries (Italy, Switzerland, etc.). A final tab presents orchids encountered only outside of France. If you have arrived at this space, you are probably aware that our countryside (and sometimes our cities) host wild orchids. Often so discreet that one can pass by them without noticing, the discovery of a single individual can leave us puzzled when trying to identify the species. It is better to find a colony (a group of several individuals) to confirm an identification. In France, many orchid species grow to 10 to 15 cm in height, with flowers smaller than a centimeter, making them easy to overlook. We simply admire them, sometimes photograph them, but never pick them, as most are rare and fragile. Flowers in vases or herbariums are outdated! And if they happen to appear in our gardens, it will be on their initiative. There's no point in attempting transplantation; it will fail in nearly all cases. For an orchid to grow and thrive, it requires a specific combination of terrain, light, and humidity. Above all, the familiar pollinating insects of the species must be present. These conditions are rare... and almost never where we would like them to be. To know them, to name them, is also to love them. I hope to share my passion with you or exchange with you because your passion is just as valuable as mine! A contact form is available. The views are introduced with a short text about the species, its biotope, and a few distinguishing features for identification. This is not intended to replace more detailed guides, but in these books, the iconographic base is often limited to one or two images, which only partially match your observations. The great variability of orchids cannot be summarized with so few photos, and I have often found myself frustrated with this "scarcity." The goal here is to illustrate each species with a broad photographic base, representing both the typical species and many variants. Please do not hesitate to point out any errors regarding the illustrations or the species they belong to, or any other necessary corrections. Identifying orchids is not a competition to check off the greatest number of species. You may sometimes meet enthusiasts who swear they have seen all the species that are still left for you to discover or confidently claim that certain species, reputed to be rare, are actually common. Let this not discourage you in your quest, and remain humble in front of a tricky species: it is often a variety of the most common species or a dilemma that will not have an absolutely certain solution. Around 70 orchid species will be presented, as well as a few subspecies commonly encountered: almost all of the most common ones. Of the approximately 160 species (species + subspecies) in our territory, this will represent the majority or all of the discoveries you could make during a few regional walks or over a season. The other species are either rare to very rare, some regional and highly localized (and some are still absent from my inventory, which certainly gets richer every year but remains partial due to the need to visit many regions). For others, they will be impossible to identify without the help of specialists. You may encounter helpful people in the field or through online contacts, but for identification assistance, some individuals who are very vocal about their numerous or exceptional discoveries will strangely remain silent about yours. The descriptions are basic but, I hope, understandable and sufficient. I have stuck to simple language to be accessible without a glossary, even at the risk of lacking scientific rigor, which some may criticize: this is intentional. Orchids love to deceive, so don't be surprised if you occasionally encounter one outside its normal biotope, in a region where it is not supposed to thrive, growing at an unrecorded altitude, or blooming outside its usual flowering period!

Découvrez Ophrys arachnitiformis Ophrys en forme d'araignée sur Orchidée-photo.com Ophrys splendida . Ophrys splendide. Brilliant orchid. Gölz & H. R. Reinhard Ophrys splendida is one of the newly described species and, as with many very localized southern species, the taxon is debated. It is sometimes regarded as Ophrys arachnitiformis or Ophrys exaltata , with a supposedly later flowering period, but since it is not observed exactly in the same places, it is difficult to give much credit to this claim. The sepals and petals are white to pink, with a medium- to large-sized, elongated labellum. The lateral petals are white or pink in the center (generally concolorous with the sepals) and bordered with yellow or green along the wavy edges. As is sometimes the case, much depends on conviction rather than solid scientific evidence, so one must remain cautious. For my part, I provide this description and these observations with due reserve, in the hope of a settled debate and a precise diagnosis in the future. 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 fuciflora. Ophrys frelon. Late spider orchid. (F.W. Schmidt) The hornet or bumblebee Ophrys is a small Ophrys in size (often 10–20 cm, sometimes up to 30 cm and exceptionally 40 cm). The habit is stocky, and the flowers are generally few in number (from 2 to 10). The labellum has a characteristic trapezoidal shape, covered with hair and variable markings. One should note the two atrophied petals, generally concolorous (pink) with the sepals behind them. Petals and sepals may be white but are always concolorous. The lateral sepals are sometimes “pointed” but may also be very rounded, so this is not a key feature for identification. The sepals are less extended than in the bee Ophrys, but there is little risk of confusion due to the overall appearance of the flower. Also note the very conspicuous yellow appendage at the tip of the labellum. This Ophrys is more easily seen in eastern France, but it is present in other French departments (a little more than half of them). In the Alps, it is found below 1400 m. It develops in habitats ranging from fresh to dry soils. It can be found on sufficiently drained embankments or roadside verges in particular, in fallow land, and sometimes in very shaded meadows. Ophrys fuciflora is also an “umbrella” species for many regional taxa for which it is difficult to recognise differences between them or with the type species. It shows variations in the shape, colour, or markings of its flowers that overlap with those of other regional names. There are also transitional forms toward Ophrys scolopax within populations, with smaller, oval labella.

BIOGRAPHY Presentation Amateur photographer since adolescence and passionate about natural sciences even if I did not make it my job, I discovered wild orchids about ten years ago by chance. I am lucky to live in the south of Essonne and not far from the forest of Fontainebleau. Between Etampes and Fontainebleau, the wastelands and limestone lawns, which are very frequent, are home to many orchids: Orchis, Ophrys, Epipactis...but you quickly feel cramped and the passion sometimes becomes an endless quest for new species, 'Hybrids, from Lusus. So I quickly extended my surveys to my native region: the Côte d'Or and the neighboring Jura. Then the Alps and La Vanoise to take advantage of the staggered flowering of certain species at altitude. At the beginning of spring, Aude and Aveyron... How and... why stop? Not being monomaniacal for all that, I also photograph other flowers, the insects that visit them. Good visit to all and do not hesitate to comment! Contact me Email: pascal.decologne@laposte.net Send Thank you for what you sent !

Dactylorhiza maculata . Orchis maculé. Heath spotted orchid. Some Dactylorhiza will be difficult to identify because each species varies and hybrids are common. In some regions, these hybrids are more numerous than the type species. Observing Dactylorhiza is proof that once again, some specialists tend to segment and name what are sometimes only varieties. Evolution is certainly underway, but it will not happen on the scale of current humanity. Patience! I will therefore only present a few species, those whose identification remains certain. Dactylorhiza maculata is a plant that likes many environments, dry or humid but rather on calcareous soil. The flowers are quite colorful but white is often very present. The labellum does not have the characteristic tip of Dactylorhiza fuchsii but confusion remains possible on intermediate individuals possibly hybrids. 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

Orchis purpurea. Orchis pourpre. Purple orchid The Purple Orchid is part of the genus Orchis, largely amputated by numerous species now classified in the genera Anacamptis or Dactylorhiza. Orchis are tuberous orchids, usually having two which gave them their Greek name Orchis which means testicle. One of the tubers allows the growth of the plant while the second forms during this same period and will replace the original tuber gradually withered the following year. If we were to dig up an orchid (which I of course prohibit), we would therefore find the tuber of the year more or less withered, the tuber in the making for the future season and sometimes an old one totally withered from the previous year. Orchids are fairly tall plants (20 to 60 cm), rather robust and easily spotted in meadows, wastelands or light undergrowth. The preferred soils are generally calcareous or marly and rather dry. The sepals and lateral petals are united to form a "helmet" while the central petal (labellum) offers a fairly complex shape that varies from one species to another. Three Orchis are quite close morphologically and "coloristically": Orchis militaris (Military Orchis), Orchis purpurea (Purple Orchis) and Orchis simia (Monkey Orchis). Hybridizations are therefore possible that will not allow a certain identification. Its very dark purple or pink color allows it to be distinguished from the more pink Military Orchid or Monkey Orchid. Its labellum, although similar to the Military Orchid, is also trilobed but quite wide at the base. Likewise, it is provided with small tufts of hair. Present in many departments (except Brittany and Massif Central due to unsuitable soil), it flowers between the end of April and the end of June depending on the region and altitude. It is one of the most common orchids in France. Click on the photos to enlarge