This is an excerpt from ‘Where Wild Orchids Grow’, a publication put together by Swedish Author-Photographer Johan Siggesson detailing the different species of wild orchids found in Malta.
The long-awaited orchid season starts a few weeks after the first heavy rains in September/October. Following a scorching hot summer, these life-giving rains make way for the first orchids of the season. Autumn lady’s tresses are the first on the scene. They are timid, but no less astonishing for it, with the beautiful Latin name Spiranthes spiralis.
During the following months, all the way until May, different species will emerge in various locations around our islands. With almost 40 species in all, there is always a new one to look out for.
Credit: Johan Siggesson
When I set out to create this book, I asked myself how many species of orchids actually grow here in Malta and how many am I likely to find? It seemed like a pretty straightforward question with a simple enough answer. But it was far from being as easy as one may think.
For instance, think of a specific type of rare orchid that was observed 10 years ago but has not been seen since. Does that mean that it does not exist anymore, or does it simply mean that we just have not found it because it is rare? So, do we include that orchid in the total tally of existing orchids on the Maltese islands or not?
Credit: Johan Siggesson
Given my somewhat laid-back nature, I promptly decided to leave the thinking and decision-making to the botanists, and instead focus on capturing the sheer beauty of these plants with my camera.
At the time of writing it is generally accepted that we have 37 species of orchids in Malta. With minimal effort, you are likely to find about one third of them. Unlike most orchids around the world, all the species here in Malta grow on the ground, so keep your eyes peeled when you are out and about.
Credit: Johan Siggesson
The future for our orchids does not look very promising. Orchids are hardy plants but are still unable to withstand the ongoing major destruction of natural habitats, which is a constant threat. This means that, sadly, most populations of Maltese orchids are on the decline.
Learn more about ‘Where Wild Orchids Grow’ and get your hands on your own copy of the publication by visiting www.marvellousmalta.com.