Ophrys scolopax subsp. heldreichii

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

Ophrys scolopax subspecies heldreichii photographed in scrub in April in Rhodes

Description

This orchid grows up to 50 cm in height. The lax inflorescence carries between 4 - 10 large and colourful flowers. The flowers usually have deep pink sepals and petals. The flower lip is deeply lobed and dark brown, and the shape of the speculum is variable but it is generally dark glistening blue bordered with white and cream.

Distribution

Once thought to be endemic to Greece, this orchid has since been found in various parts of the southern Mediterranean as well as in the Eastern Mediterranean. Both its identification and range are confused due to the similarities among other Ophrys orchids, in particular Ophrys polyxo thought to be endemic to Rhodes. Various Ophrys scolopax types are found throughout southern Europe from the south of France downwards. More study as to whether or not these many types are the different species/subspecies so often ascribed to them is required to determine if they are genetically different or simply more of the same species with geographic or morphological differences.

Habitat

Ophrys heldreichii grows in stony, rocky coastal habitats with alkaline substrates. Abandoned farm terraces and areas of scrub are suitable places to look for this orchid.

Flowering times

From April to mid May.

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 heldreichii refers to a former director of the Athens Botanical Garden Th. von Heldreich.

Reference sources

The Plant List

Chris Thorogood, Field Guide to the wildflowers of the Eastern Mediterranean, Kew Publishing

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