Anacamptis morio subsp. caucasica

It has been observed in the southern, eastern and western part of Mt. Paggaio. Usually occurs in very large colonies and, in that way, it is considered that it decorates grasslands and forest openings.

It is characterized by a large population on Mt. Paggaio. It is a slender plant, up to 40 cm tall, on the base of which the leaves form a rosette. Its inflorescence is relatively lax, composed of 5-20 rather small-sized flowers. The typical plants of this species have pink to dark violet flowers, though it is not rare to find plants whose perianth is white or of intermediate color. It is distinguished by the 3-lobed lip, its pale center, which is strongly marked by dark purple spots, and the median lobe, which is longer than the lateral ones. The spur is robust, curved upwards and slightly shorter than the ovary. Several species of the wild orchid family have been used in the past to make salep. However, this practice led to the destruction of large numbers of plants and the local extinction of species that were once common in many areas. The species is found in well-lit forests and grasslands from low altitudes up to the mountainous zone, where it is found in forest openings (mainly oak forests). We will see it in flower from March to June, depending on the altitude.

Due to its relatively wide distribution on Mount Paggaio, no particular threats and pressures, which would lead to a significant reduction in its population, were observed.

It is listed among the plant species of the Presidential Degree 67/81 (F.E.K. 23/Α/30-01-1981)

It is listed among the plant species of the Presidential Degree 67/81 (F.E.K. 23/Α/30-01-1981) “On the protection of native flora and fauna and defining a procedure for coordinating and controlling their research”, also as “Other Important Plant Species of Greece” by the 92/43/EEC Directive. Moreover, it is protected by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).