John and Gerry's    Orchids of Britain and Europe
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Malaga

Notable species :-

Anacamptis coriophora
Anacamptis papilionacea
Cephalanthera rubra
Dactylorhiza elata
Dacylorhiza maculata
Dactylorhiza markusii
Dactylorhiza sambucina
Gymnadenia gabasiana
Himantoglossum hircinum
Neotinea ustulata
Ophrys apifera
Ophrys bilunulata
Ophrys fusca
Ophrys insectifera
Ophrys lutea
Ophrys scolopax
Ophrys sphegodes
Ophrys tenthredenifera
Orchis pallens
Orchis purpurea
Orchis langei
Serapias cordigera


                                                                                        Malaga Province
                           Ophrys tenthredenifera
                              Anacamptis coriophora
                               Cephalanthera rubra


Areas of interest


* Fuente De

This is an Alpine resort situated at the end of the CA-185 from Potes and some 3 kilometres beyond the village of Espinama. Orchids can be found throughout the area particularly in the pastures and woodland but also at higher elevations along the cliffs that encircle the valley. The latter terrain can be accessed via a cable car from the village.
It should be remembered that the flowering season commences late due to the high altitude. Ophrys sphegodes, Ophrys insectifera, Ophrys apifera, Ophrys fusca, Orchis anthropophora, Orchis pallens, Neottia nidus-avis, Dactylorhiza markusii, Dactylorhiza insularis, Gymnadenia viride, Gymnadenia conopsea, Gymnadenia gabasiana, Neotinea ustulata.


*
Mirador del Tombo

The above viewing platform is located on the LE-2711 at a central highpoint in a long valley running from Posada de Valdeon for approximately 10 kilometres up to Cain de Valdeon. Orchids are plentiful on the verges and banks throughout this stretch of road but sheep grazing can be problematic in some areas.
Ophrys sphegodes, Ophrys insectifera, Ophrys apifera, Ophrys tenthredenifera, Ophrys scolopax, Orchis anthropophora, Orchis mascula, Orchis pallens, Dactylorhiza markusii, Dactylorhiza maculata, Gymnadenia conopsea, Gymnadenia gabasiana, Neotinea ustulata.

 
* Puerto de Piedrasluengas

Otherwise known as the refugio de Piedrasluengas this is in a mountainous area just to the north of the village of Piedrasluengas that straddles the CM-627 some 25 kilometres south east of Potes. The whole area, including the Piedrasluengas Pass is rich in orchid species, though once again the season is late and is not fully underway until June.
Ophrys sphegodes, Ophrys insectifera, Ophrys apifera, Ophrys tenthredenifera, Ophrys scolopax, Orchis anthropophora, Orchis mascula, Orchis pallens, Himantoglossum hircinum, Himantoglossum robertianum, Neotinea ustulata.      


* Santillana del Mar

From this small, north coast town take the CA-131 towards Comillas. This coastal road passes through a landscape of rough ground, scrub and fields all of which host a good range of lowland orchid species.
Ophrys sphegodes, Ophrys insectifera, Ophrys apifera, Ophrys fusca, Gymnadenia conopsea, Orchis mascula, Serapias lingua, Serapias cordigera,  Anacamptis pyramidalis, Anacamptis coriophora, Anacamptis papilionacea.


* Desfiladero de la Hermida

This is an area situated to the east of the Picos de Europa National Park about 10 kilometres south of the town of Panes. It is a steep sided gorge through which the N-621 road follows the course of the fast running Rio Deva. Many orchid species can be found along the grassy banks and occasional more open areas amongst the rocky cliffs. 
Ophrys sphegodes, Ophrys insectifera, Ophrys apifera, Ophrys fusca, Ophrys scolopax, Ophrys tenthredenifera, Orchis anthropophora, Orchis pallens, Orchis provincialis, Himantoglossum robertianum, Dactylorhiza markusii, Dactylorhiza insularis, Gymnadenia conopsea, Neotinea ustulata, Serapias cordigera.