Wild Orchids of Tuscany
The orchid family, found on all continents except, possibly, Antartica, is one of the largest plant families in the world, with over 880 genera and 28,000 species. There are really three ecological classifications for orchids, based upon their habitats and adaptations — epiphytes, xerophytes and terrestrials. Epiphytes grow on trees (but are not parasitic), xerophytes grow in dry conditions on or among rocky surfaces and terrestrials grow in the ground. Europe is home to somewhere between 40 to 60 orchid genera and approximately 250 orchid species. Many of these orchids are found throughout Tuscany.
The height of the blooming season for orchids in southern Tuscany varies year-by-year, depending upon the date of the last frost and the beginning of Spring rains. As a general rule, orchids begin blooming in Tuscany in late March and early April. As you head north from Tuscany, and eventually reach the Dolomites, the blooming season extends into May and June.
Anacamptis morio
Commonly growing in full sun, at low to medium elevations, in leafy mulch in prairies — or even along the sides of the road — in southern Tuscany.
Anacamptis morio
A colony of Anacamptis morio was found at a cool elevation (approximately 2000 feet above sea level) along the gravel road between SP160 and Eremo David Lazzaretti in the Province of Grosseto. This species is also found in abundance along SP441 between San Galgano and Massa Marittima in the Province of Grosseto. This clone has exceptional color.
Orchis
pauciflora
A colony of Orchis pauciflora was found at a cool elevation (approximately 2000 feet above sea level) along the gravel road between SP160 and Eremo David Lazzaretti in the province of Grosseto.
Orchis italica
This cultivar of Orchis italica was found at a relatively low elevation (approximately 1,000 feet above sea level) in the hills below Monte Antico in the province of Grosseto.
Orchis purpurea
Orchis purpurea is found throughout southern Tuscany at relatively low elevations (500 to 800 feet above sea level), blooming in March and April. It is not unusual to find this species alongside country roads and in old olive groves.
Orchis italica
Another clone of Orchis italica. Commonly known as the “naked man orchid” for certain anatomical imagery suggested by the formation of the labellum, cultural folklore suggests that consuming Orchis italica promotes virility, but there is no scientific evidence. Just in case, see the recipe below.
Orchis purpurea
A dark color form of this species, growing in a field in southern Tuscany at an elevation between 400 and 600 feet above sea level.
Orchis purpurea
Yet another color form of this species, found at the base of the falls in Bagno Vignoni (take the gravel road to the left, as you are heading up the hill to the parking area at Bagno Vignoni and walk around the basins of water at the end of that road).
Ophyrs sphegodes
This species is prevalent in southern Tuscany. This clone was found at the base of the falls in Bagno Vignoni. A large population of this species can be found on the east side of the Strada Provinciale Leopoldina just outside of Paganico (GR) across the street from the entrance to Agriturismo Piatina.
Serapias vomeracea
A colony of Serapias vomeracea can be found on the east side of the Strada Provinciale Leopoldina just outside of Paganico (GR) across the street from the entrance to Agriturismo Piatina. This roadside location is occasionally mowed, but the orchids continue to come back every year.
Serapias vomeracea
A close-up photo of one of the specimens in the colony of Serapias vomeracea near Paganico (GR).
Some orchids are edible, and even considered to be nutritious. Salep is a nutritious and traditional food product made from Orchis italica. Dried tubers of this species can be ground into a fine powder. Adding one part of this powder to fifty parts of boiling water creates a jelly that can be beneficial to the digestive system, immunity support and bone health. It’s also a source of energy due to its carbohydrate (glucomannan) content. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger and cloves can be added to the mixture for flavor. Honey can be added for sweetness. Salep is also made into ice cream (known as kaimaki ice cream in Greece), and can be used as a thickening agent in other desserts. A word of caution — in some areas, Orchis italica and other wild orchids are considered endangered, so be sure to check local laws prior to harvesting tubers, and always harvest sustainably.