Orchis-pauciflora_4

Description:

Orchis pauciflora Ten., syn.: Orchis provincialis subsp. pauciflora (Ten.) Lindl., Orchis provincialis var. pauciflora (Ten.) Batt.Sparse-flowered Orchid, DE: Wenigbltiges KnabenkrautSlo.: malocvetna kukavicaDat.: April 22. 2017Lat.: 45.05306 Long.: 14.48075Code: Bot_1048/2017_DSC7412Habitat: bushes with some low broad-leaved trees, small open patches of stony, nutrients pure grassland; flat terrain, calcareous, skeletal ground; predominantly in shade, dry place; elevation 85 m (280 feet), average precipitations ~1.000 mm/year, average temperature 13 - 14 deg C, submediterranean phytogeographical region.Substratum: soil. Place: North of village Pinezii, near a communication tower, inland of island Krk, Adriatic Sea, Kvarner bay, Croatia EC. Comment: Initially it seemed to me this find represents Orchis provincialis. However, after Mr. Branko Dolinar drew my attention to lack of dark spots on plant's leaves it was determined as Orchis pauciflora. The relation between both is somewhat unclear. Some orchid authorities consider Orchis pauciflora as a separate species; others treat such plants on subspecies taxonomical level as Orchis provincialis ssp pauciflora. Apart of the spots on the leaves, color of the lip and number of flowers in inflorescence are the traits separating both plants. Orchis pauciflora should have a darker, more saturated yellow middle part of the lip and fewer flowers in the inflorescence compared to Orchid provincialis.Orchis pauciflora is a Mediterranean plant. It is not rare on both sides of Adriatic Sea shore. However it hasn't been yet found in Slovenia in spite we do have a short sea shore. In Croatia it is present in Istria peninsula, along all Adriatic Sea shore as well as on most of major islands. According to Flora Croatica Database (Ref.:3) it has been reported from four MTB squares on island Krk. This find adds the fifth one. Protected in Croatia according to: Flora Croatica, Crvena Kniga (Red list), marked as VU denoting a vulnerable species.Ref.:(1) Id'ed by Mr. Branko Dolinar.(2) www.orchidsofbritainandeuropetest.uk/Orchis%20pauciflora....(3) Nikoli T. ed. (2015): Flora Croatica Database (hirc.botanic.hr/fcd). Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb (accessed date: 2017/05/28).(4) I. Schnfelder, P. Schnfelder, Kosmos Atlas Mittelmeer- und Kanarenflora, Kosmos, (2002), p 286.(5) M. Blamey, C. Grey-Wilson, Wild Flowers of the Mediterranean, A & C Black, London (2005), p 513.