Hvar (Foggia) is a municipality belonging to the Gargano National Park and gives its name to the lake of the same name. This territory is famous for the presence of numerous species of wild orchids. On the Apulian promontory, in fact, there are many 89 different species of orchids belonging to 17 genera. Some of these species do not grow in the rest of the peninsula, but are peculiar to the area. This is due to the fact that the Gargano is an isolated place and the endemic species of orchids have remained protected and genetically isolated.
The most common species
Lesina orchids are pollinated exclusively by insects (wasps, bees, hornets and bumblebees). This allowed for the extreme diversification of the species. The most common kind of orchid is that Ophrys, to which more than 60 species belong. Among them we find the very rare Ophrys lacaitae (present only in the Gargano), the Ophrys barlia roberiana, Ophrys apulic (endemic species) and the Gargano. Instead they belong to the genus Orchis the iridescent Orchis purpurea,Orchis quadripunctata and the very rare limodorum abortivum. With the Ophrys flower, nature manages to deceive pollinating insects. Each orchid, in fact, attracts the males of a particular species of bee and does so by giving off a scent similar to the female of the same species. The magnificent flowers paint the clearings with colorful brushstrokes and attract a large number of insects, which are also essential for pollination.
The lake
Lake Lesina is characterized by a complex of open water expanses and by formations typical of brackish lagoons. The whole eastern part of the lake has been subjected to the regime of "Animal restocking nature reserve". In this area, wild orchids find fertile ground. You cannot go to Lesina without making a stop on the Gargano and admire these wonderful and colorful flowers, which have now become a real attraction for tourists. The best time of year is spring: flowering occurs between April and June. What you see on the hills and in the vast prairies is a feast for the eyes. A real miracle: dozens of orchid species colonize these uncultivated territories, attracting scholars, enthusiasts and photographers from all over the world.
The Park: flora and fauna
The Gargano Park, of which Lesina is part, is divided into several reserves, where not only rare flowers grow, but many animals live. Hikers cannot miss the excursion on the orchid trails organized by the park guides. As for the animal world, in the swamps and marshes you can admire, among others, the tortoise emys orbicularis, a semi aquatic turtle. There are several birds present (hawks, woodpeckers, diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey, spoonbill birds and black terns parked during their migratory journey). There are also beech martens, wild cats, roe deer, squirrels, Murgese horses.
The Naturalistic Museum
The Naturalistic Museum of Lesina occupies an in-depth section on the naturalistic aspects that characterize the territory. First of all, the lagoon with its very particular biodiversity. It allows to know the geomorphological aspects of the area and the faunal and vegetational contents of this wetland. One section is dedicated to the sea. The Gargano National Park is a multi-faceted reality, a corner of paradise to visit with the wonder of a child. The territory of Lesina, with its beautiful orchids, represent an important part of it, among the most enchanting and noteworthy.
(Photo: Gargano National Park Authority, Facebook page)
