The Study Center High Vastese and the Trigno Valley discovered aspecies considered rare orchid in Abruzzo and throughout Italy.

It is of"Elleborina purpurea (Epipactis purpurata), a species that has so far been found in very few places in Abruzzo (Rosello, Bocca di Valle, St. Anthony Bosco). It 'a rare species in general and is reported in a few other locations of the Tosco-Emilian and Calabro-lucano.

The exciting discovery was made in mid-August in the territory Montazzoli (CH), during an excursion aimed right at the census of the species of wild orchids from Vasto, activities that the Center carries out studies about 3 years.

The beautiful species has been found at a height of about 1200 m, in a beech forest located about 4 km from the town of Montazzoli, Upper Vastese.

The important discovery was reported to the scholars GIROS (Italian Group for Research on Wild Orchids ) and other important Italian forum (http://www.naturamediterraneo.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=238658), which confirmed the importance.

They were unfortunately only found 2 specimens of rare orchid. And 'likely in the area and in nearby abetina of Castiglione Messere Marino will be other. To find other specimens, the volunteers of the Center for Studies held adequate research in useful next season.

Below is a brief description of the species and some considerations on the importance of the discovery.

 

DESCRIPTION

rhizomatous Plant up to 70 cm, slender stalk, greenish-gray at the base, hairy violet and at the top. cauline leaves 4-8, careened, with the corrugated margin, ovate-lanceolate, of greyish-green with purple base. Infiorescenza multiflora, unilateral, with 10-15 large flowers, allogami, pendulum, open, slightly smelly. Sepali Novato Lanceolata, sharp, Green-violet, greyish, tinged with purple; hairless petals, greenish white in the middle, yellowish at the top. Lip with ipochilo cup-shaped, nectar, yellowish; epichilo greenish-white, heart-shaped, thereafter, provided with two basal protuberances.

Habitat

underbrush, mainly under beech.

Distribution.

Rara. Distribution sub-Atlantic species. Widespread in Central Western Europe. In Italy it recorded sporadically in different regions.

Etymology.

From Latin purpuratus = purple dress, because of the color of the plant.

CONSIDERATIONS. It is an important discovery that, Once again, It shows the great biodiversity of Vasto and the urgency of institutional safeguards for the conservation of natural habitats. Currently in the Upper Vasto is no protected area, despite the presence of several Sites of Community Importance and the IBA 115. The whole '

area is currently a strong risk of degradation and is directly threatened by wind speculation.

Photo. The dell'Epipactis purpurata photos were taken by his friend Daniele Mauro.

Article by: Ivan Serafini