Wild Orchids in Malta

Wild Orchids in Malta

That 37 species of wild orchids embellish Malta’s countryside for 6 months of the year is a fact that is unknown to most. These orchids have now been photographed and documented by internationally acclaimed award winning nature photographer Johan Siggesson in his new coffee-table book Marvellous Malta –Where Wild Orchids Grow. The book is an aesthetic journey through the intimate landscape of Malta, revealing wild orchids in hidden spaces. Photography Johan Siggesson.

Anacamptis Coriophora Fragrans, Fragrant Orchid, Malta.

Photography © Johan Siggesson.

Artistic photography created during one orchid season (2020-2021) shapes Where Wild Orchids Grow.

“I wanted to create something positive that highlights the somewhat limited but wonderful Maltese nature. We need to know what actually exists and what we can experience if we take the time to look.”

Normally conducting his work in Africa, Asia, Scandinavia or other parts of the world, the Covid-19 pandemic stranded Siggesson and forced him to focus his photography on nature in Malta. Although he has lived in Malta for 20 years, he has never really worked locally but is planning to change this with this first book in a series of books about Maltese nature.

“There are plenty of informative books about Maltese trees, insects and flowers, but I never came across a coffee-table book that is more geared towards being beautiful than being informative. There are many similar books about Mdina or Valletta but not this type about Maltese nature. The book is an interesting merge between art and science.” Unlike most orchids around the world, all species in Malta grow on the ground and while orchids are hardy plants they are unable to withstand major destruction of natural habitats, which is a constant threat. This means that, sadly, most populations of Maltese orchids are on the decline or under threat.

Spotted Milky Orchid, Malta.

Photography © Johan Siggesson.

Ophrys Speculum, Mirror Orchid, Malta.

Photography © Johan Siggesson.

The long-awaited orchid season starts a few weeks after the first heavy rains in September and October. Following a long, scorching hot summer, these life-giving rains make way for the first orchids of the season. During the following months, all the way until May, different species emerge in various locations around Malta, and with almost 40 species in all, there is always a new one to look out for.

Ophrys Speculum, Mirror Orchid, Malta.

Photography © Johan Siggesson.

At the time of writing it is generally accepted that there are 37 species of orchids in Malta. With minimal effort, you are likely to find about one third of them. The remaining two thirds are extremely rare or even possibly extinct.

Marvellous Malta –Where Wild Orchids Grow.

Photography Johan Siggesson. 176 pages, 27 x 34 cm, 100 orchid photographs.

Marvellous Malta –Where Wild Orchids Grow. Photography Johan Siggesson. 176 pages, 27 x 34 cm, 100 orchid photographs. For more information: www.marvellousmalta.com, Facebook MarvellousMalta, Instagram marvellousmalta