Distribution of the species
Quite common in the forest habitats of Mount Paggaio, especially in the beech forests found all around the perimeter of the mountain. We usually find it at altitudes higher than 700 m asl.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
In important numbers in Paggaio. It is an easily distinguished species at all stages of its life cycle (from a morphological point of view). It has a characteristic rhizome which consists of thick and fleshy roots, giving the impression of a nest. Its stem is brownish-yellow, rarely whitish, with 4-6 sheaths. Its sheaths (lacking green leaves) are 2-6 cm long, the upper ones longer and more bulging. Its inflorescence is cylindrical, elongated, with numerous flowers. The sepals and petals are yellowish brown, rarely whitish or yellowish, forming a loose hood. The lip is pendant, 9-12 mm long, with an oblong, nectariferous cup at its base, with 2 broad, divergent lobes at the tip, without a spur. It is one of the few orchids that completely lack chlorophyll and develop saprophytically. It is for this reason that it can tolerate dark beech forests where other species cannot. Apart from the beech forests, where it is usually quite common, this species can also be found in other forest habitats, such as oak, pine, spruce and scrubs of hornbeam. It flowers from May to July, 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. Moreover, its population does not undergo any change, as the habitats where it occurs are not threatened by human or environmental factors.
Conservation status
It is listed among the plant species of the Presidential Degree 67/81 (F.E.K. 23/Α/30-01-1981.
Conservation state
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).