Ophrys cretensis - (Orchidaceae)

This small and spindly ophrys flowers early - from mid-February until the beginning of April. It is both localised and rather rare, and as it is also inconspicuous, there is a lot of luck required to find it. This orchid is endemic to the Greek islands, but is most commonly found on Crete.

Ophrys cretensis

This inconspicuous and tiny plant is very hard to spot

The plant grows to only 15 - 20cm in height but appears early. Its habitat is dry-to-moist calcareous substrate in full sun or mid-shade in phrygana, short grassland and open woodland.

Ophrys cretensis has the H-shaped marking on its lip that occurs on Ophrys sphegodes and other similar ophrys species.

Ophrys cretensis grows in Crete and other southern Agean islands.

Ophrys cretensis flower

The flower of this plant has a concave rather than convex lip and obvious psuedo-eyes

The plants on this page were photographed near Heraklion on the northern coast of Crete in early April.