It is an early summer’s day, and the peak glows with soft colours. Accompanied by the sun’s smile and the whisper of the wind, I have just finished counting the orchids in the three plots near the top of the mountain. I begin my descent towards the oak forest when my gaze falls on a small plant with bright purple flowers. I move closer to get a better look, and there, with my knees on the stones and my eyes captivated by every detail, I encounter an incredible specimen: Orchis olbiensis.
Here at Les Courmettes, most of our monitoring focuses on the estate’s wildlife. But, with the orchid monitoring programme, we also turn our attention to a part of nature that doesn’t make as much noise. A total of 32 species have been found on the estate, and with the programme we focus on 11 plots with different habitats and species.
What is an orchid?
When we think of orchids, it is easy to picture a potted plant on a windowsill. In reality, there are over 29,000 species of orchid, found all over the world. The variations in appearance are numerous, to say the least, and their morphology and biology are complex. However, all orchids share the common feature of irregular flowers composed of six parts. They rely on a fungus for nourishment and have developed fascinating strategies to ensure pollination.
Most species flower in spring, but some have a second flowering period in autumn. Suitable habitats range from wet meadows to rocky ground. The majority thrive in tropical climates, but there are also many that prefer temperate climates in the north and south.
A few species that grew on the estate during the spring. From left to right: Himantoglossum robertianum, Ophrys scolopax, Orchis anthropophora, Serapsias Vomeracea, Dacytoliza majalis.
Our orchid monitoring protocol
For 10 weeks between April and June, we spend a day in the field with our quadrat – the tool we use to count orchids. We record the life stages of the orchids and any damage to the leaves on a form. In some plots we find over 200, in others none at all. In any case, it’s always a joy to spend time with our fingers in the grass and watch how the plants develop as the season progresses.
This protocol enables us to collect data to study how habitats and populations change over time, in order to identify existing and potential threats.
At Les Courmettes, we have several species on the IUCN Red List, most of which are classified as near threatened. The only species here classified as Vulnerable and also protected at the regional PACA level is Anacamptis laxiflora, or the Loose-flowered Orchid. It has slender leaves along a stem measuring 30 to 60 cm. Each plant bears between 20 and 40 large purple flowers with a white centre. Already extinct in several regions due to agricultural practices, Anacamptis laxiflora serves as an example of the importance of our monitoring efforts. In a commune in Normandy, we have managed to reintroduce it thanks to extensive grazing. Although the outlook for this orchid is not the brightest, it shows us that we must never lose hope.
Anacamptis laxiflora. Photo : Hüseyin Cahid Doğan
Open your eyes to the beauty of nature
Nature has much to teach us, and orchids play their part. They encourage us to spend time in nature with a keen eye. The moment we spot a new bloom always brings a genuine smile, and thanks to this routine, a sense of enthusiasm for the week ahead. Orchids: truly one of nature’s little wonders.
Ella, volunteer at the Courmettes