Ophrys bertoloniiformis
Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Liliopsida - Order: Orchidales - Family: Orchidaceae
Description
Ophrys bertoloniiformis is very similar in size and appearance to Ophrys bertolonii except that the sepals and petals are nearly always green tinged with brown. The scientific name -formis means 'with the same shape'. Many authorities do not differentiate between several similar-looking orchids that have been given distinct names by some botanists. Included in this list are O. aurelia, O. balearica, O. promontorii and O. tarentina all of which are sometimes considered as Ophrys x flavicans. Different local forms of Ophrys x flavicans are reported to be pollinated by different kinds of bees.
Distribution
The orchid most commonly referred to as Ophrys bertoloniiformis is a plant that is endemic to Monte Gargano in Italy where it is actually more common and widespread than Ophrys bertolonii.
Habitat
Ophrys bertoloniiformis grows in sunny positions in short grassland, roadside banks and in neglected olive groves. It is often found with Ophrys bertolonii with which it may hybridise.
Flowering times
Ophrys bertoloniiformis flowers from late March to the end of April which can be up to three weeks earlie than Ophrys bertolonii.
The specimens shown on this page were photographed close to Monte Sant'Angelo in the Gargano Peninsula in Italy in mid April.
Etymology
The genus name Ophrys comes from Greek and means 'eyebrow' - a reference to the hairy fringe of the lip of the flower of many orchids in this genus. The specific epithet bertoloniiformis indicates that the flower shape is similar to that of Ophrys bertolonii, whose specific epithet honours the Italian botanist Antonio Bertoloni (1775 - 1869).
Reference sources
The Plant List
Henrik AErenlund Pedersen & Niels Faurholdt (2007) Ophrys - The Bee Orchids of Europe; Kew
Pierre Delforge (2005) Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East; A&C Black
Les Orchidees de France, Belgique et Luxemborg; Parthenope Collection
Angela Rossini and Giovanni Quiadamo (2003) Orchidee Spontanee nel Parco Nazionale del Gargano; Centrografico Francescano
Claudio Del Fuoco (2003) Orchidee del Gargano
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