Ophrys parvimaculata/O. fuciflora ssp. parvimaculata/O. holoserica ssp. parvimaculata (Orchidaceae)

Another orchid to be found in Italy's Gargano Peninsula which is confusing - you can see from its several names above that others, far more knowledgeable than I, have found it equally confusing. It's always comforting to be in good company!

Ophryus parvimaculata

The name parvimaculata refers to the small size of the speculum (mirror) on the lip rather than to the white sepals and petals which are reported as occasionally being tinged with pink. O. parvimaculata is endemic to the Puglia region of Italy. It is very localised and rare, and so one feels lucky to have come across it.

Although it grows in short grassland on alkaline substrates, unlike many of its close relatives that thrive in full sunshine, this orchid prefers a slightly more shady habitat. The best places to look are in light or open woodland, particularly if there are oak trees present.

Ophrys parvimaculata flowers during April and possibly into very early May depending on the seasonal temperatures.

This specimen on this page was photographed in open woodland close to Monte Sant'Angelo on the Gargano Peninsula in Italy in mid April.