Ophrys apifera
Ophrys abeille
Bee Orchid
Additional information
| Plant family | |
|---|---|
| Area | Provence Verte |
| Flower colour | pink |
| Flower size | lip 11-13 mm |
| Flowering months | April, May |
| Leaf type | Lanceolate, Elliptic |
| Height | 25-45 cm |
Description
Insects are attracted to the Bee Orchids by their scent and their appearance, both of which mimic that of the female insect of whichever species of pollinator is needed for a particular variety of Bee Orchid.
A tuberous perennial with enlarged underground structures used for storage of nutrients.
Flowers
The flower spike can carry up to 15 flowers, usually between 2-9. Each individual flower has 3 pink sepals with a central green vein and 2 very small lateral petals. The lip is brown or purplish brown, with 2 lateral lobes, short and hairy, and a central darker ‘mirror’ (speculum) with a cream border. The distinctive curved apex of the column enables its unique system of self-pollination.
Leaves
Elliptic oval leaf, Lanceolate leaf is lance-shaped: long and widest in the middle. Basal leaves are oval to long, wider in the middle, blunt; stem leaves smaller.
Fruits Seeds
Capsule: numerous seeds.
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