Ophrys sphegodes subsp. passionis - Dark Ophrys
Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Liliopsida - Order: Orchidales - Family: Orchidaceae
Another orchid that is notoriously difficult to identify accurately, Ophrys passionis flowers early in the spring from March onwards. It probably has two waves of flowering with some plants producing flowers as late as June.
Distinguishing features to look for include a large speculum with two broad vertical lines on the lip of the flower and a very variable yellow margin around its edge.
It grows on calcareous substrates and we have found it flowering in northern Spain, the Cevennes in France and also in Italy on the Gargano Peninsular where it grows alongside Ophrys sphegodes.
Ophrys passionis is tolerant of open sunny positions and also partially shaded areas. It is frequently found on abandoned farm terraces, but also occurs in areas of scrub, unimproved meadow grasslands and in open woodland rides.
The specimen shown above was photographed on the Cevennes in early April.
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