Orchids in Austria: born to be wild

Did you know that Austria is home to wild-growing orchids? More than 80 species have been identified, and these are most likely to be found in woods or wetlands. In contrast to most tropical varieties, all austrian orchids grow on the ground.

They have smaller blooms and are not as imposing as their greenhouse relatives – but they are no less beautiful.

There's a good chance you have seen some of them yourself. The delicate Lady's Slipper, for example, the marsh orchid or the Nigritella.

Orchids are among the most endangered plants in Austria and are therefore protected. Orchids can grow anywhere in Austria, on dry meadows, swampy meadows, in the lowlands, in the high mountains - wherever they can spread "undisturbed".

Of course, preference is given to nature reserves. In the Vienna Woods Biosphere Park, for example, 39 different varieties grow - that's almost half of the native species!