Welcome to the wonderful world of Quercy orchids! Nestled in the heart of the Lot valley, this region offers a rich and diverse habitat for a multitude of wild orchid species. Explore with us the unique beauty of these delicate flowers and discover the enchanting landscapes that shelter them.
Pyramidal Orchis and Trembling Brize
Lot Tourisme - C. Novello
Preservation of Wild Orchids of Quercy
La preservation wild orchids from Quercy is an absolute priority, they are all subject to regional or even national protection. As visitors and nature lovers, we have a duty to protect these fragile gems by respecting sensitive areas and contributing to conservation efforts led by local authorities and environmental organizations like the Causses du Quercy Natural Park.
IT IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN TO PICK THEM!
Le spring is the ideal season to discover the fabulous wild orchids of Quercy. We count 48 species in the Lot ! Sometimes discreet, often colorful, queens of imitation, always fascinating to observe, their presence reveals the preservation of biodiversity natural of our destination.
The different species of orchids
1
Fly orchid
E. Hernandez - Tourist Office Cahors Lot valley
Ophrys fly
Ophrys insectifera
Height: 15 to 45cm
Flowering: April to July
Habitat: meadows, woodland edges and clearings.
Fun fact: this orchid has developed a unique symbiotic relationship with flies of the Miltogramma genus. It imitates the shape, color, down and emits a pheromone similar to the scent of the female. When a male Miltogramma fly is fooled by this illusion and attempts to mate with the flower, he finds himself covered in pollen, which is then carried to other flowers. This pollination process is crucial for the reproduction of the Ophrys fly.
2
Woodcock orchid
E. Hernandez - Tourist Office Cahors Lot valley
Ophrys woodcock
Ophrys scolopax
Height: 20 to 45cm
Flowering: March to June
Habitat: dry lawns, limestone meadows, forest edges and clearings
Anecdote: its name comes from the resemblance of its flower to the body of the woodcock. The flower features brown shades and patterns that remarkably mimic the wings and body of the bird. This resemblance also extends to the behavior of the orchid which uses a reproductive strategy called "sexual attraction" to attract pollinating insects, mainly male solitary wasps, who are bewitched by the pheromones emitted by the flower and attempt to mate with it, thus contributing to pollination.
3
Pyramidal orchid
E. Hernandez - Tourist Office Cahors Lot valley
Legend: In ancient Greece, the pyramidal orchis was often associated with the goddess of love Aphrodite, and its tubers were sometimes used in potions and rituals believed to attract love and passion. It is said that the priests and priestesses of Aphrodite used this orchid in their religious ceremonies to promote the development of romantic relationships.
4
Limodore orchid with aborted leaves
E. Hernandez - Tourist Office Cahors Lot valley
Limodore with aborted leaves
Limodorum abortivum
Height: 30 to 80cm
Flowering from May to July
Habitat: wooded meadows and forest edges
Legend: Shepherds observed the presence or absence of this orchid in meadows to assess the fertility of the soil and determine whether it was suitable for grazing for their livestock. If the aborted Limodore was abundant, it indicated a rich and balanced soil, while its absence could be interpreted as a sign of soil poverty.
5
Burnt orchid
E. Hernandez - Tourist Office Cahors Lot valley
Burnt orchis
Neotinea ustulata
Height: 10 to 30cm
Flowering: April to July
Habitat: open, sunny area, dry meadows, limestone lawns, forest edges, clearings, path edges and grassy areas
Legend: Shepherds, while guarding their flocks in the meadows where these orchids grow, would have used burnt orchid stems to light their campfire. The smell given off by these burning stems would have been so pleasant that the shepherds would have given the name "burnt orchis" to this orchid. In addition to this legend, it takes its name from the incandescent appearance of the top of its flower.
6
purple orchid
E. Hernandez - Tourist Office Cahors Lot valley
purple orchid
Orchis purpurea
Height: 25 to 60cm
Flowering: April to July
Habitat: open and semi-shaded area, meadows, forest edges, clearings, embankments, roadsides and wastelands
Legend: This orchid was thought to have mysterious powers and was used in various rituals and folk practices. For example, carrying a purple orchis flower on oneself could bring luck and protection against curses and bad luck. It is also said that young girls sometimes used this orchid in love rituals to attract the attention of their beloved.
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