John and Gerry's    Orchids of Britain and Europe
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Gargano


Notable species :-

Anacamptis palustris
Anacamptis papilionacea ssp septentrionalis
Dactylorhiza romana
Ophrys apulica
Ophrys archipelagi
Ophrys bertiloniformis
Ophrys biscutella
Ophrys celiensis
Ophrys garganica
Ophrys lojaconoi
Ophrys lucana
Ophrys magellensis
Ophrys monti-gargani
Ophrys parvimaculata
Ophrys promontorii
Ophrys sipontensis
Ophrys virescens
Orchis provincialis
Serapias apulica
Serapias cordigera
Serapias politisii





                               Ophrys sipontensis
                                Ophrys parvimaculata
                                   Ophrys archipelagi


Areas of interest


*Foresta Umbra.  Large area of mixed woodland with several species of forest dwelling plants, including Neotinnea nidus-avis, Neotia intacta etc.

*Road SP43.  Many roadside sites along the route from Cagnano Varano to San Giovanni Rotondo.

*Rispettiamo il Bosco.  A recreational area with lots of parking, 4kms on the SP48 from Sannicandro Garganica. Ophrys parvimaculata.

*Monte Sacro.  From Mattinata take SS89 towards Monte Sacro and Stinco. All roads and tracks around the mountain produce orchids.

*Road SS272.  From Monte Sant Angelo follow the road for approx 9kms towards San Giovanni Rotondo. When you reach a staggered crossroad with  the Casa del Ciliegio to your right park up and explore the area all around, particularly along the track to the south towards Ruggiano. Himantoglossum hircinum, Ophrys promontorii, Ophrys bertilonifomis, Ophrys biscutella.

*Via Santa Maria di Pulsano.  From Monte Sant Angelo follow the road towards the Abbazia di Santa Maria di Pulsano (a monastry). Orchids can be found in fields and on verges for the length of the road, including in the built up areas on the immediate outskirts of the town. Ophrys apulica, Ophrys bertiloniformis, Ophrys promontorii, Ophrys lucana, Ophrys viriscens.

*Road SS89.  This road runs from Apricena to San Nicandro Garganico overlooking the railway and the Largo di Lesina. Orchids are plentiful along verges and in adjacent woodland and fields. Ophrys parvimaculata, Ophrys monti-gargani, Ophrys promontorii, Ophrys celiensis.