John and Gerry's Orchids of Britain and Europe |
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Southern Tuscany |
Notable species :-
Anacamptis laxiflora Anacamptis papilionacea ssp rubra Neottinia lactea Neottinia tridentata Ophrys argentaria Ophrys bertolonii Ophrys classica Ophrys crabronifera Ophrys fuciflora Ophrys garganica Ophrys gracilis Ophrys hespera Ophrys lucifera Ophrys linearis Ophrys neglecta Ophrys tarquinia Ophrys tyrrhena Orchis ovalis Orchis simia Serapias lingua Serapias neglecta Serapias parviflora |
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Ophrys crabronifera |
Ophrys lucifera |
Ophrys classica |
Areas of interest *Monte Argentaria. From
Orbetello cross the southern road bridge and follow the
SS440 (SP161). Having crossed the causeway stay right towards Porto San
Stefano and after approx 2.5 kilometres take the turning on your left
signposted “Convento Padri Passionista”. This road climbs up the
mountain and
eventually reaches a military tracking station at the summit. There are
orchids periodically throughout the length of this
road and its really a question of driving slowly (its not a busy road
!) and
stopping as you see orchids. Beyond the road verges the scrub is thick
and not at all
orchid friendly and so the important areas to search are the cleared
slopes
under the lines of pylons and any walking paths that occasionally cross
the road. From Porto San Stefano take the Via Panoramica which is a cliff top road that follows the coast around the north west of Argentaria.There are orchids to be found in many of the more open areas along the road, particularly at the Porto San Stefano end. Verges, banks and laybys are especially productive. Ophrys argentaria, Ophrys classica, Ophris apifera v bicolor, Orchis simia, Orchis italica *Albarese. From the SS1 (E80) take the turn off to Albarese and go into
the village. From here take the Via di
Loreto that leaves the village from the south and after approx 500 metres you
will come to a small pull in on your right with a large walking map on a board.
From here the hillside to your left and the verges on both sides of the
road southwards hold orchids. *Albarese. The Via Bersagliere leading from the north side of the village has orchid rich verges. *Marina de Grosetto. The coast to the north and south of this small holiday town is bordered with large areas of scrub and pinetta and orchids can be found in many of the more open parts, particularly along the wide road verges. Ophrys crabronifera, Ophrys classica, Ophrys argentaria, Ophrys tyrrhena. | ||
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