Ophrys xflavicans - Ophrys promontorii

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Liliopsida - Order: Orchidales - Family: Orchidaceae

Description

This orchid is simply referred to by some authorities as Ophrys promontorii, but is probably a member of a complex group of orchids related to Ophrys sphegodes and/ or Ophrys bertolonii.

Very similar to Ophrys bertoloniiformis, Ophrys promontorii grows to around 40cm, and the lax inflorescence carries up to 7 flowers. The petals and sepals are greenish-yellow and the lip is long and oval in shape. The speculum resembles an incomplete H-shape or consists of small separate shiny spots on the dark velvety background of the

Distribution

Reported only from Italy, most frequently from Monte Gargano.

Habitat

Open areas of poor grassland on dry to moist alkaline substrates.

The longer, more oval lip of Ophrys promontorii

Flowering times

This orchid flowers quite late - from April to the end of May

This specimen was photographed at Monte Sacro 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 promontorii refers to the Gargano Promontory, in Italy, the area where this rare orchids is most often found.

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