Ophrys phryganae - Phrygana ophrys - (Orchidaceae)

This orchid is very similar in appearance to Ophrys lutea although the both the flower and the plant itself are somewhat smaller. It is also easily confused with Ophrys sicula which occurs in the same habitats but is smaller again, and also has an overall more spindly appearance than Ophrys phryganae.

Ophrys phryganae

This plant grows in the habitat referred to as phrygana in Greece (hence its name) but which is also referred to as garrigue in other parts of the Mediterranean region. The sepals are green and the petals yellowish-green. The speculum on the lip of the flower is 'bumpy' in appearance particularly at the base where it emerges from the stigmatic cavity. The flowers stand out strongly from the stem.

A close-up showing the 'bumpy' lip of the flowers

The Phrygana ophrys flowers from the end of March to the beginning of May and can be found in Greece and in the Greek islands where it is particularly common and numerous.

The plants shown on this page were photographed in Crete at the beginning of April.