Orchids of the Eifel: Ophrys

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Ophrys Apifera

Ophrys Apifera - plant


Latin: Ophrys apifera
English: Bee orchid
German: Bienen-Ragwurz
Bloom: June to mid-July

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
June 4, 2002

 

Ophrys Apifera - flower head

These orchids grow on dry hillsides and open woods, only in calciferous soil.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
June 9, 2002

Ophrys Apifera - closeup

These orchids imitate insects which pollinate the orchid when they try to mate with it.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel, May 30, 2002

Ophrys Apifera - flower head 2009

The same plant as in the photo above but 7 years later.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel, June 14, 2009

ophrys apifera - flower

The pollen sacks are clearly visible.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
June 15, 2008

Ophrys apifera - side view of flower

These orchids imitate insects which pollinate the orchid when they try to mate with it.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
June 15, 2008

 

Ophrys Fuciflora

Ophrys Fuciflora - many plants


Latin: Ophrys fuciflora
English: Bumblebee orchid
German: Hummel-Ragwurz
Bloom: June to mid-July

Photographed near Nittel,
June 5, 2009

 

Ophrys Fuciflora - with pink petals

These orchids grow on dry hillsides and open woods, only in calciferous soil. They imitate bumble bees which pollinate the orchid when they try to mate with it.

Photographed near Nittel,
June 5, 2009

Ophrys Fuciflora - with yellow edge

The appearance and colour of the flowers are quite variable. The lower part of the flower has a yellow edge.

Photographed near Wasserlieschl,
June 5, 2009

Ophrys Fuciflora - with white petals

Flowers with white petals instead of pink.

Photographed near Nittel,
June 5, 2009

 

Ophrys Insectifera

Ophrys Insectifera - plants


Latin: Ophrys insectifera
English: Fly orchid
German: Fliegen-Ragwurz
Bloom: Mid-May to end of June

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
June 4, 2006

 

Ophrys Insectifera - flower head

These orchids grow on dry hillsides and open woods, only in calciferous soil.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 28, 2006

Ophrys Insectifera - flower with pollen

This flower has just been pollinated by a fly. Grains of pollen are scattered over the flower.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 14, 2006

Ophrys Insectifera plant with yellow flowers

This is a colour variation; the flowers are yellow instead of the usual dark brown with a blue band.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 29, 2005

Ophrys Insectifera - yellow flower head

A closeup of the yellow flowers.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 29, 2005

The plant is still there 4 years later.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 10, 2009

Ophrys Insectifera - abnormal flowers

This is another abnormality.

Photographed near Nöthen,
May 30, 2002

 

We also photographed many different types of ophrys orchids in Crete, Greece.

All photographs are my property and may not be copied or used without my written permission.

 

June 16, 2009
©copyright Vicki Sherwood
Email address
This page is http://orchids-eifel.sherwoodonline.de/ophrys.html