紅門蘭屬

Slo.: malocvetna kukavica - syn.: Orchis provincialis subsp. pauciflora (Ten.) Lindl., Orchis provincialis var. pauciflora (Ten.) Batt. - Habitat: bushes with some low broadleaved trees, small open patches of stony, nutrients pure grassland; flat terrain, calcareous, skeletal ground; predominantly in shade, dry place; elevation 85 m (280 feet), average precipitations ~1.000 mm/year, average temperature 13 - 14 deg C, submediterranean phytogeographical region. Substratum: soil. Comment: Initially it seemed to me this find represents Orchis provincialis. However, after Mr. Branko Dolinar drew my attention to lack of dark spots on plant's leaves it was determined as Orchis pauciflora. The relation between both is somewhat unclear. Some orchid authorities consider Orchis pauciflora as a separate species; others treat such plants on subspecies taxonomical level as Orchis provincialis ssp pauciflora. Apart of the spots on the leaves, color of the lip and number of flowers in inflorescence are the traits separating both plants. Orchis pauciflora should have a darker, more saturated yellow middle part of the lip and fewer flowers in the inflorescence compared to Orchid provincialis. Orchis pauciflora is a Mediterranean plant. It is not rare on both sides of Adriatic Sea shore. However it hasn't been yet found in Slovenia in spite we do have a short sea shore. In Croatia it is present in Istria peninsula, along all Adriatic Sea shore as well as on most of major islands. According to Flora Croatica Database (Ref.:3) it has been reported from four MTB squares on island Krk. This find adds the fifth one. Protected in Croatia according to: Flora Croatica, Crvena Kniga (Red list), marked as VU denoting a vulnerable species. Ref.: (1) Id'ed by Mr. Branko Dolinar. (2) http://www.orchidsofbritainandeuropetest.uk/Orchis%20pauciflora.html (3) Nikoli T. ed. (2015): Flora Croatica Database (http://hirc.botanic.hr/fcd). Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb (accessed date: 2017/05/28). (4) I. Schnfelder, P. Schnfelder, Kosmos Atlas Mittelmeer- und Kanarenflora, Kosmos, (2002), p 286. (5) M. Blamey, C. Grey-Wilson, Wild Flowers of the Mediterranean, A & C Black, London (2005), p 513. Camera: Nikon D700 / Nikkor Micro 105mm/f2.8

Slo.: pikcasta kukavica - Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species.

Slo.: čeladasta kukavica - Habitat: meadow, flat terrain, calcareous ground, alluvial terrace of a river, sunny place, exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 420 m (1.400 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prosto ivečih rastlinskih vrstah' Ur.l. RS, t. 46/2004. - Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species.

Slo.: krlatnordea kukavica - syn.: Orchis fusca Jacq., Orchis maxima K. Koch - Habitat: light, mainly broad leaf wood; under a canopy of a large Quercus sp. (pubescens?) tree, local ground without much undergrowth; flat, calcareous ground, in deep shade; average precipitations 1.000 - 1.200 mm/year, average temperature 13 - 15 deg C, elevation 60 m (200 feet), submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Growing in a large scattered group of more than ten plants, some very beautiful. - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prostoiveih rastlinskih vrstah' Url. RS, t. 46/2004 (Regulation of protection of wild growing plants, Official Gazette of Republic Slovenia, No.:46/2004). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species. - Ref.: (1) R. Domac, Flora Hrvatske, Prirunik za odreivanje bilja, kolska Knjiga, Zgreb, II. izdanje (2002), p 463. (2) H. Baumann, S. Kuenkele, R. Lorenz, Orchideen Europas, Ulmer (2006), p 244. (3) O. Sebald, S. Seybold, G. Philippi, A. Werz, Die Farn- und Bltenpflanzen Baden-Wrttembergs, Ulmer, Band 8. (1998), p 386. (4) H. Kretzschmar, Die Orchideen Deutschlands und angrenzender Lander, Quelle& Meyer (2008), p 214. (5) B. Dolinar, Kukavievke v Sloveniji (Orchids in Slovenia - in Slovene), Pipinova Knjiga (2015), p 153.

Slo.: malocvetna kukavica, provansalska kukavica - syn.: Orchis leucostachya Griseb., Orchis cyrilli Ten. - Habitat: Light, predominantly broad leaved wood, Quercus sp., Fraxinus ornus, Pinus sp. and bushes, flat calcareous terrain, predominantly in shade, dry place, elevation 130 m (430 feet), average precipitations 1.000 - 1.200 mm/year, average temperature 13 - 15 deg C, submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Growing in several groups of many plants. Several tens of plants in the vicinity. - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prostoiveih rastlinskih vrstah' Url. RS, t. 46/2004 (Regulation of protection of wild growing plants, Official Gazette of Republic Slovenia, No.: 46/2004). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'Ex?' representing a probably extinct species (erroneously!).This plant was considered extinct in Slovenia just a decade ago, but two new stands have been found recently. - Ref.: (1) R. Domac, Flora Hrvatske, Prirunik za odreivanje bilja, kolskaKnjiga, Zagreb, II. izdanje (2002), p 463. (2) H. Baumann, S. Kuenkele, R. Lorenz, Orchideen Europas, Ulmer (2006), p 242. (3) B. Dolinar, Kukavievke v Sloveniji (Orchids in Slovenia), Pipinova Knjiga (2015), p 151.

WE found this orchid in the white villages area approaching Ronda. They occur in lkarge stands some plants are white flowered, others are pink.

Slo.: opija kukavica - Habitat: Grassland, southwest oriented slope, warm and dry place, full sun, exposed to direct rain, average temperature 11-13 deg C, average precipitations 1600-1800 mm/year, elevation 105 m (350 feet), submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Orchis simia has a very beautiful and filigree flowers and the plant is quite a rare wild orchid in my country. It is limited to the most south-west, the warmest, submediterranean part of Slovenia. This year its display was extraordinarily rich. There were more than twenty of them flowering on the meadow. Among them we found also two rare albinos (see Figs. 5. and 6.) and many other rarities like Himantoglossum adriaticum (not yet blooming), Serapias vomeracea, different members of Ophrys genus and Orchis purpurea. All of them are members of much warmer climate than the overage in Slovenia finding their northern limit where they can thrive in southwest Slovenia. - Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species. - Ref. (1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora sterreich Liechtenstein, Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 1048. (2) N. Jogan (ed.), Gradivo za Atlas flore Slovenije (Materials for the Atlas of Flora of Slovenia), CKSF (2001), p 263. (3) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije, Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 778. (4) L. Poldini, Nuovo Atlante corologico delle piante vascolarinel, Friuli Venezia Giulia, University of Trieste (2002), p 338.

Slo.: pikcasta kukavica - Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species.

Slo.: krlatnordea kukavica - syn.: Orchis purpureus, Orchis fusca, Orchis maxima - Habitat: wood edge, in road scarp among bushes, southeast oriented slope, calcareous ground, dry, warm and fairly sunny place, exposed to direct rain, average precipitations 1.600-1.800 mm/year, average temperature 11-13 deg C, elevation 120 m (400 feet), submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Orchis purpurea ssp. purpurea is our tallest and probably most magnificent orchid. Sometimes it can be almost 1 m (3 feet) tall. One of its synonyms Orchis maxima clearly confirms this. Having relatively large individual flowers as well as colossal inflorescence it is really showy. In Slovenia one can find it sparsely scattered usually outside the Alpine region, most frequently in the submediterranean phytogeographical region where the warm influence of the Adriatic Sea is present. It usually grows solitary or in groups of just a few plants. Otherwise, it can be found scattered almost in the whole Europe including some parts of south Alps. Unfortunately, Orchis purpurea ssp. purpurea is in sharp decline in Slovenia, becoming almost a rare plant. It is rare and protected also in Austria, north of us, where it is considered much endangered species. A memorable encounter in any way! - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prostoiveih rastlinskih vrstah' Url. RS, t. 46/2004 (Regulation of protection of wild growing plants, Official Gazette of Republic Slovenia, No.: 46/2004). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species. - Ref.: (1) Personal communication with Mr. Brane Dolinar, http://www.orhideje.si/ (2) H. Baumann, S. Kuenkele, R. Lorenz, Orchideen Europas, Ulmer (2006), p 244. (3) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2. Haupt (2004), p 1130. (4) K. Lauber and G. Wagner, Flora Helvetica, 5. Auflage, Haupt (2012), p 1328. (5) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije, Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007) (in Slovene), p 781. (6) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora sterreich Liechtenstein, Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 1048.

Slo.: malocvetna kukavica, provansalska kukavica - syn.: Orchis leucostachya Griseb., Orchis cyrilli Ten. - Habitat: Light, predominantly broad leaved wood, Quercus sp., Fraxinus ornus, Pinus sp. and bushes, flat calcareous terrain, predominantly in shade, dry place, elevation 130 m (430 feet), average precipitations 1.000 - 1.200 mm/year, average temperature 13 - 15 deg C, submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Growing in several groups of many plants. Several tens of plants in the vicinity. - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prostoiveih rastlinskih vrstah' Url. RS, t. 46/2004 (Regulation of protection of wild growing plants, Official Gazette of Republic Slovenia, No.: 46/2004). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'Ex?' representing a probably extinct species (erroneously!).This plant was considered extinct in Slovenia just a decade ago, but two new stands have been found recently. - Ref.: (1) R. Domac, Flora Hrvatske, Prirunik za odreivanje bilja, kolskaKnjiga, Zagreb, II. izdanje (2002), p 463. (2) H. Baumann, S. Kuenkele, R. Lorenz, Orchideen Europas, Ulmer (2006), p 242. (3) B. Dolinar, Kukavievke v Sloveniji (Orchids in Slovenia), Pipinova Knjiga (2015), p 151.

Orchis punctulata is a rare, endangered least known orchid. It grows in the Middle East, occurring in disjunctive populations.

Slo.: opija kukavica - Habitat: Grassland, southwest oriented slope, warm and dry place, full sun, exposed to direct rain, average temperature 11-13 deg C, average precipitations 1600-1800 mm/year, elevation 105 m (350 feet), submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Orchis simia has a very beautiful and filigree flowers and the plant is quite a rare wild orchid in my country. It is limited to the most south-west, the warmest, submediterranean part of Slovenia. This year its display was extraordinarily rich. There were more than twenty of them flowering on the meadow. Among them we found also two rare albinos (see Figs. 5. and 6.) and many other rarities like Himantoglossum adriaticum (not yet blooming), Serapias vomeracea, different members of Ophrys genus and Orchis purpurea. All of them are members of much warmer climate than the overage in Slovenia finding their northern limit where they can thrive in southwest Slovenia. - Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species. - Ref. (1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora sterreich Liechtenstein, Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 1048. (2) N. Jogan (ed.), Gradivo za Atlas flore Slovenije (Materials for the Atlas of Flora of Slovenia), CKSF (2001), p 263. (3) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije, Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 778. (4) L. Poldini, Nuovo Atlante corologico delle piante vascolarinel, Friuli Venezia Giulia, University of Trieste (2002), p 338.

Slo.: pikcasta kukavica - Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species.

Slo.: krlatnordea kukavica - syn.: Orchis purpureus, Orchis fusca, Orchis maxima - Habitat: wood edge, in road scarp among bushes, southeast oriented slope, calcareous ground, dry, warm and fairly sunny place, exposed to direct rain, average precipitations 1.600-1.800 mm/year, average temperature 11-13 deg C, elevation 120 m (400 feet), submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Orchis purpurea ssp. purpurea is our tallest and probably most magnificent orchid. Sometimes it can be almost 1 m (3 feet) tall. One of its synonyms Orchis maxima clearly confirms this. Having relatively large individual flowers as well as colossal inflorescence it is really showy. In Slovenia one can find it sparsely scattered usually outside the Alpine region, most frequently in the submediterranean phytogeographical region where the warm influence of the Adriatic Sea is present. It usually grows solitary or in groups of just a few plants. Otherwise, it can be found scattered almost in the whole Europe including some parts of south Alps. Unfortunately, Orchis purpurea ssp. purpurea is in sharp decline in Slovenia, becoming almost a rare plant. It is rare and protected also in Austria, north of us, where it is considered much endangered species. A memorable encounter in any way! - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prostoiveih rastlinskih vrstah' Url. RS, t. 46/2004 (Regulation of protection of wild growing plants, Official Gazette of Republic Slovenia, No.: 46/2004). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species. - Ref.: (1) Personal communication with Mr. Brane Dolinar, http://www.orhideje.si/ (2) H. Baumann, S. Kuenkele, R. Lorenz, Orchideen Europas, Ulmer (2006), p 244. (3) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2. Haupt (2004), p 1130. (4) K. Lauber and G. Wagner, Flora Helvetica, 5. Auflage, Haupt (2012), p 1328. (5) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije, Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007) (in Slovene), p 781. (6) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora sterreich Liechtenstein, Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 1048.

Slo.: malocvetna kukavica, provansalska kukavica - syn.: Orchis leucostachya Griseb., Orchis cyrilli Ten. - Habitat: Light, predominantly broad leaved wood, Quercus sp., Fraxinus ornus, Pinus sp. and bushes, flat calcareous terrain, predominantly in shade, dry place, elevation 130 m (430 feet), average precipitations 1.000 - 1.200 mm/year, average temperature 13 - 15 deg C, submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Growing in several groups of many plants. Several tens of plants in the vicinity. - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prostoiveih rastlinskih vrstah' Url. RS, t. 46/2004 (Regulation of protection of wild growing plants, Official Gazette of Republic Slovenia, No.: 46/2004). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'Ex?' representing a probably extinct species (erroneously!).This plant was considered extinct in Slovenia just a decade ago, but two new stands have been found recently. - Ref.: (1) R. Domac, Flora Hrvatske, Prirunik za odreivanje bilja, kolskaKnjiga, Zagreb, II. izdanje (2002), p 463. (2) H. Baumann, S. Kuenkele, R. Lorenz, Orchideen Europas, Ulmer (2006), p 242. (3) B. Dolinar, Kukavievke v Sloveniji (Orchids in Slovenia), Pipinova Knjiga (2015), p 151.

and here is the whole plant

Slo.: opija kukavica - Habitat: Grassland, southwest oriented slope, warm and dry place, full sun, exposed to direct rain, average temperature 11-13 deg C, average precipitations 1600-1800 mm/year, elevation 105 m (350 feet), submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Orchis simia has a very beautiful and filigree flowers and the plant is quite a rare wild orchid in my country. It is limited to the most south-west, the warmest, submediterranean part of Slovenia. This year its display was extraordinarily rich. There were more than twenty of them flowering on the meadow. Among them we found also two rare albinos (see Figs. 5. and 6.) and many other rarities like Himantoglossum adriaticum (not yet blooming), Serapias vomeracea, different members of Ophrys genus and Orchis purpurea. All of them are members of much warmer climate than the overage in Slovenia finding their northern limit where they can thrive in southwest Slovenia. - Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species. - Ref. (1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora sterreich Liechtenstein, Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 1048. (2) N. Jogan (ed.), Gradivo za Atlas flore Slovenije (Materials for the Atlas of Flora of Slovenia), CKSF (2001), p 263. (3) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije, Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 778. (4) L. Poldini, Nuovo Atlante corologico delle piante vascolarinel, Friuli Venezia Giulia, University of Trieste (2002), p 338.

Slo.: pikasta kukavica - syn: Neotinea ustulata - Habitat: abounded mountain pasture, almost flat terrain; calcareous ground, skeletal, shallow soil, sunny and dry place, exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year,average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 600 m (2.000 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: This solitary growing, small but beautiful wild orchid grows right behind the house where I live. It is a rather common member among approximately 80 species of genus Orchis growing in Slovenia. It prefers warmer regions than narrow alpine valleys. So, it was a small surprise to find it near my home. For more than 30 years I've never seen it in this part of Trenta valley. Then, apparently to the first time, it appeared in 2007, reappeared in 2008 and 2009 and then disappeared. In 2012 I was unable to find even its leaves in spite of the fact that I knew precisely where they should be. But next year a new one appeared a few meters away of the previous place. This spring it appeared again on the same location. But not only this! I found another one some 20 m away. If this trend continues my house will be in the midst of an orchid garden after a while . Unfortunately, this is not enough to believe that botanists who claim that this species is in sharp decline in Slovenia err. - Species name ustulata comes from Latin 'ustus', which means 'burnt' and relates to its flower buds, which are very dark purple, sometimes almost black, like burnt, before mature white/purple flowers develop. Its characteristic purple dots make this species very easy to recognize. - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prostoiveih rastlinskih vrstah' Ur.l. RS, t. 46/2004 (Regulation on protected wild plants, Official gazette of Republic of Slovenia, No. 46/2004). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species. - Ref.: (1) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije, Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007) (in Slovene), p 781. (2) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora sterreich Liechtenstein, Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 1046. (3) H. Baumann, S. Kuenkele, R. Lorenz, Orchideen Europas, Ulmer (2006), p 256.

Slo.: krlatnordea kukavica - syn.: Orchis purpureus, Orchis fusca, Orchis maxima - Habitat: wood edge, in road scarp among bushes, southeast oriented slope, calcareous ground, dry, warm and fairly sunny place, exposed to direct rain, average precipitations 1.600-1.800 mm/year, average temperature 11-13 deg C, elevation 120 m (400 feet), submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Orchis purpurea ssp. purpurea is our tallest and probably most magnificent orchid. Sometimes it can be almost 1 m (3 feet) tall. One of its synonyms Orchis maxima clearly confirms this. Having relatively large individual flowers as well as colossal inflorescence it is really showy. In Slovenia one can find it sparsely scattered usually outside the Alpine region, most frequently in the submediterranean phytogeographical region where the warm influence of the Adriatic Sea is present. It usually grows solitary or in groups of just a few plants. Otherwise, it can be found scattered almost in the whole Europe including some parts of south Alps. Unfortunately, Orchis purpurea ssp. purpurea is in sharp decline in Slovenia, becoming almost a rare plant. It is rare and protected also in Austria, north of us, where it is considered much endangered species. A memorable encounter in any way! - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prostoiveih rastlinskih vrstah' Url. RS, t. 46/2004 (Regulation of protection of wild growing plants, Official Gazette of Republic Slovenia, No.: 46/2004). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species. - Ref.: (1) Personal communication with Mr. Brane Dolinar, http://www.orhideje.si/ (2) H. Baumann, S. Kuenkele, R. Lorenz, Orchideen Europas, Ulmer (2006), p 244. (3) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2. Haupt (2004), p 1130. (4) K. Lauber and G. Wagner, Flora Helvetica, 5. Auflage, Haupt (2012), p 1328. (5) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije, Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007) (in Slovene), p 781. (6) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora sterreich Liechtenstein, Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 1048.

Slo.: malocvetna kukavica, provansalska kukavica - syn.: Orchis leucostachya Griseb., Orchis cyrilli Ten. - Habitat: Low, light, predominantly broad leaf wood with many bushes and small open patches of stony grassland, Quercus sp., Fraxinus ornus, Carpinus orientalis, Pinus sp. and different bushes; flat calcareous terrain, predominantly in shade, dry place, elevation 75 m (250 feet), average precipitations 1.000 - 1.200 mm/year, average temperature 13 - 15 deg C, submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Growing in several groups of many plants. More than ten plants seen on this spot. - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prostoiveih rastlinskih vrstah' Url. RS, t. 46/2004 (Regulation of protection of wild growing plants, Official Gazette of Republic Slovenia, No.: 46/2004). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'Ex?' representing a probably extinct species (erroneously!).This plant was considered extinct in Slovenia just a decade ago, but two new stands have been found recently. - Ref.: (1) R. Domac, Flora Hrvatske, Prirunik za odreivanje bilja, kolska Knjiga, Zgreb, II. izdanje (2002), p 463. (2) H. Baumann, S. Kuenkele, R. Lorenz, Orchideen Europas, Ulmer (2006), p 242. (3) B. Dolinar, Kukavievke v Sloveniji (Orchids in Slovenia), Pipinova Knjiga (2015), p 151.

This is Orchis anatolica ssp. troodii. It grows together with the typical subspecies. It grows on volcanic soils in the slopes of Mt trodoos. , actually it is consedered rightfully as a subspecies of Orchis anatolica.

Slo.: opija kukavica - Habitat: Grassland, southwest oriented slope, warm and dry place, full sun, exposed to direct rain, average temperature 11-13 deg C, average precipitations 1600-1800 mm/year, elevation 105 m (350 feet), submediterranean phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: Orchis simia has a very beautiful and filigree flowers and the plant is quite a rare wild orchid in my country. It is limited to the most south-west, the warmest, submediterranean part of Slovenia. This year its display was extraordinarily rich. There were more than twenty of them flowering on the meadow. Among them we found also two rare albinos (see Figs. 5. and 6.) and many other rarities like Himantoglossum adriaticum (not yet blooming), Serapias vomeracea, different members of Ophrys genus and Orchis purpurea. All of them are members of much warmer climate than the overage in Slovenia finding their northern limit where they can thrive in southwest Slovenia. - Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species. - Ref. (1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora sterreich Liechtenstein, Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 1048. (2) N. Jogan (ed.), Gradivo za Atlas flore Slovenije (Materials for the Atlas of Flora of Slovenia), CKSF (2001), p 263. (3) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije, Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007), p 778. (4) L. Poldini, Nuovo Atlante corologico delle piante vascolarinel, Friuli Venezia Giulia, University of Trieste (2002), p 338.

Slo.: pikasta kukavica - syn: Neotinea ustulata - Habitat: abounded mountain pasture, almost flat terrain; calcareous ground, skeletal, shallow soil, sunny and dry place, exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year,average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 600 m (2.000 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. - Substratum: soil. - Comment: This solitary growing, small but beautiful wild orchid grows right behind the house where I live. It is a rather common member among approximately 80 species of genus Orchis growing in Slovenia. It prefers warmer regions than narrow alpine valleys. So, it was a small surprise to find it near my home. For more than 30 years I've never seen it in this part of Trenta valley. Then, apparently to the first time, it appeared in 2007, reappeared in 2008 and 2009 and then disappeared. In 2012 I was unable to find even its leaves in spite of the fact that I knew precisely where they should be. But next year a new one appeared a few meters away of the previous place. This spring it appeared again on the same location. But not only this! I found another one some 20 m away. If this trend continues my house will be in the midst of an orchid garden after a while . Unfortunately, this is not enough to believe that botanists who claim that this species is in sharp decline in Slovenia err. - Species name ustulata comes from Latin 'ustus', which means 'burnt' and relates to its flower buds, which are very dark purple, sometimes almost black, like burnt, before mature white/purple flowers develop. Its characteristic purple dots make this species very easy to recognize. - Protected according to 'Uredba o zavarovanih prostoiveih rastlinskih vrstah' Ur.l. RS, t. 46/2004 (Regulation on protected wild plants, Official gazette of Republic of Slovenia, No. 46/2004). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by 'V' representing a vulnerable species. - Ref.: (1) A. Martini et all., Mala Flora Slovenije, Tehnina Zaloba Slovenije (2007) (in Slovene), p 781. (2) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora sterreich Liechtenstein, Sdtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 1046. (3) H. Baumann, S. Kuenkele, R. Lorenz, Orchideen Europas, Ulmer (2006), p 256.