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  • Flora

    The terrain of Laconi boasts of numerous green oases and native species such as Cymbalaria muelleri, with its tri-lobed leaves and blue flowers, or Campanula forsythii, with its violet flowers. There were more different species of orchids recorded here than anywhere else in all of Sardinia, some of which, like Ophrys laconensis and Orchis sarcidano, derive their very name from the area.

    To be added to the list of rare species is Pyracantha coccinea which, with its white flowers and orange-red fruits, grows only in this part of the island. 

    And finally there is the Aymerich garden where visitors can admire botanical species typical of faraway lands, such as the Lebanon cedar, the weeping beech (Fagus silvatica pendula), the Colletia cruciata and the Magnolia grandiflora.

    Truffles
    The woods of Laconi, especially those in the vicinity of Santa Sofia, are some of the most bountiful areas for truffle collection in all of Sardinia: on average, thirty-five hundred kilograms are gathered each year.

    The most common species is the summer truffle (Tuber aestivum). It matures between June and September beneath oaks, beeches, poplars, hazelnut trees and pines and is recognizable by its black exterior characterized by large warts and a pleasant, delicate odor.

    There are also other varieties present, such as the bianchetto or marzuolo truffle (Tuber borchii) which grows from January to April and strongly resembles the esteemed white truffle, but is distinguished by its dark russet flesh; the French black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) which matures at the end of October and is identified by its purplish-black color and very dark flesh; and finally, the winter truffle (Tuber brumale) which is gathered between January and March. 
    Many species of wild mushrooms enrich the mycological heritage of Laconi, which can be considered not only a tourist attraction but also a source of economic growth. 

    Orchids
    The wealth of wild orchids found in the territory of Sarcidano and, in particular, in Laconi, has been noted by botanists and scholars across Europe. Laconi, despite representing less than one percent of the surface of the entire regional territory, hosts almost 90% of the orchidaceous species on the island.  
    Many new species, varieties and hybrids were first identified and described here, such as Ophrys ortuabis M.P.Grasso & Lucia Manca, Anacamptis x sarcidani Scrugli et Grasso, Ophrys x laconensis Scrugli et Grasso and the extremely rare Listera ovata (L.) R.Br., Epipactis palustris (L.) Crantz, Platanthera algeriensis Battandier et trabut, etc.

    Orchids are protected by the C.I.T.E.S. (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) convention of Washington and the Forest Service and Environmental Vigilance of Sardinia are both responsible for their safeguard and protection. Removing them from their natural habitat is a crime punishable under the law. Removing them with the bulb does not guarantee survival. Photographing them, however, preserves the environment intact and lets you take home marvelous memories.