Did you know? Orchids belong to one of the most diverse plant families. There are thousands of species across the world, mainly in tropical regions. But they're found on every continent, even in Greenland! You've probably savoured the fruit of the only edible orchid: vanilla.
We're fortunate to have 160 varieties recorded in France. The Drôme, with its diverse terrain and climate, is home to numerous varieties, and around forty of them have taken up residence in the Monts du Matin.
The Monts du Matin
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Monkey orchid© Jean-Marc Sallée[/caption]
With spring's return, bringing its alternating rain and sunshine, it's the perfect time to discover these fascinating flowers: orchids.
The Monts du Matin lie between the Valence plain and the Vercors. These limestone slopes, situated between plain and mountain, shelter dry grasslands that are paradise for our orchids.
On this easy terrain, accessible to everyone, I'll take you to discover these delightful and fabulous flowers.
A thousand and one orchids…
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Are they insects? Flowers?No! These are bee orchids!
© Jean-Marc Sallée[/caption]
Discreet, green or dark-coloured, playing hide-and-seek with us, orchids surprise us around every bush to our great delight. You need a sharp eye to spot them!
Others, by contrast, dress in bright colours and rise up on their stems. All eyes are on them, visible from afar, like little figures teasing us.
Some species have original shapes that we'll discover during a leisurely afternoon. Over a three-hour outing, we'll explore these strange flowers with surprising names: Military orchid, Drôme ophrys, Hanged man, Lizard orchid, Cephalanthera, Violet limodore, Small-leaved helleborine …
Come unmask them with me, and learn to recognise them!
Wildlife and flora observation
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Green lizard © Jean-Marc Sallée[/caption]
I'm offering you a hike exploring this remarkable flora, particularly orchids, but we'll also look at other plants among which we'll likely encounter and observe butterflies, spiders and various insects of all kinds, or perhaps their predator like this beautiful green lizard. And, if we're lucky, why not roe deer or chamois! Keep your eyes wide open!
Feel free to visit my website and contact me to find out more: www.jmsallee.fr
Looking forward to meeting you, Jean-Marc, your Mountain Guide.
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