John and Gerry's    Orchids of Britain and Europe
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Abruzzo


               Notable species :-

                             Dactylorhiza sambucina                     
                        Himantoglossum adriaticum
                        Neotinea tridentata

                        Ophrys ausonia
                        Ophrys bertolonii
                        Ophrys brutia
                        Ophrys dinarica
                        Ophrys gracilis
                        Ophrys incubacea
                        Ophrys lucana
                        Ophrys promontorii
                        Ophrys riojana
                        Ophrys serotina
                        Ophrys sphegodes
                        Orchis colemanii
                        Orchis ovalis
                        Orchis pallens
                        Orchis pauciflora
                        Orchis purpurea
                        Orchis quadripunctata
                                               


                   Himantoglossum adriaticum

                                           Abruzzo
                               Ophrys dinarica
                             Dactylorhiza sambucina                                     Ophrys riojana


Areas of interest


* Alfedena.

The SS83 from Alfedena up to the Lago di Barrea is prime orchid country and stops at any of the grassy meadows and wide verges will yield a variety of species. Ophrys dinarica, Ophrys promontorii, Orchis ovata, Orchis purpurea, Orchis pauciflora, Orchis mascula, Himantoglossum adriaticum.

*
Riserva Naturele Orientata Feudo

From Barrea carry on along the SS83 and take the SP479 at Villetta Barrea. Orchids can be found in suitable areas until Anversa degli Abruzzi. Whilst this district is not as orchid rich as the previous area, it is a good place to find a Orchis pallens. Himantoglossum adriaticum, Dactylorhiza sambucina, Orchis colemanii, Orchis pallens.

*
Parco Nazionale Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga.

This is a huge area of largely montane habitat with spectacular scenery and superb mountain flora. At higher altitudes Dactylorhiza sambucina is one of the few orchids to be found but at lower levels and in the valleys there are many other species. It is another area that is best explored by stopping at suitable areas along the plentiful roads that traverse the Park. Recommended routes would be the SS17, SP86 and SS80. Orchis pallens, Orchis purpurea, Ophrys brutia, Ophrys ausonia, Ophrys bertolonii, Ophrys classica, N. tridentata.

 
+Collepitro.

This is a small town lying in the hills above the SS17 30kms south of L'Aquila. The surrounding area supports a good number of orchid species and this is especially true of the  winding road up to the town from the  main road and the grassland around the cemetery. Ophrys incubacea, Ophrys bertolonii, Ophrys lucana, Ophrys classica, Orchis italica, Orchis anthropophora,  Himantoglossum adriaticum, Anacamptis papilionacea.

*Assergi.

The grassland and light woodland along the SP86 to the north of Assergi is a good area to seek out Ophrys riojana as well as several other species.
Ophrys auonia, Ophrys promontorii, Ophrys bertolonii, Ophrys riojana, Orchis purpurea.