The Gargano is a haven for the orchid enthusiast and we knew of its reputation before we arrived. Nothing can prepare you though for the sheets of Orchis italica on the hillsides. Individual plants were superb but there were groups of hundreds together to be admired and not just in one or two places but in field upon field.

Taxonomy: All authorities agree that the correct name for this orchid is Orchis italica Poir.

Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid Hillside near Monte St. Angelo, Gargano, Italy 23rd April 2009 Previous   Next	Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid Hillside near Monte St. Angelo, Gargano, Italy 23rd April 2009 Reddish coloured orchid is Orchis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid) Previous   Next	Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid Hillside near Monte St. Angelo, Gargano, Italy 19th April 2009 Previous   Next
Orchis italica close	Orchis italica en masse	Orchis italica whole

Hillside near Monte St. Angelo, Gargano, Italy 19th April 2009

Added on January 24th 2005, updated 22nd January 2010, updated 21st January 2011