'Giant' Orchid

Description:

One of the largest tuberous terrestrial orchids in the Mediterranean region. Growth begins in the Autumn and plants die back after setting seed in the Spring to avoid the harsh baking Med. summer Olive green flowered forms are also common but none present in this population.

Habitat:

Quercus coccifera scrub on Sierra de los Filabres @ around 1800m

Notes:

Much of this habitat in Sierra de los Filabres is now totally swamped by Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), originally planted as hedging to delimit farming territories and restrict livestock movement. Barlia is placed in Himantoglossum by some taxonomists.