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Bee Orchid

Ophrys apifera

Ophrys apifera Ophrys apifera
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Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asparagales
Family:
Orchidaceae (Orchid)
Also in this family:
Autumn Lady's Tresses, Birdsnest Orchid, Bog Orchid, Broad-leaved Helleborine, Burnt Orchid, Common Fragrant Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Common Twayblade, Coralroot Orchid, Creeping Lady's Tresses, Dark Red Helleborine, Dense-flowered Orchid, Dune Helleborine, Early Marsh Orchid, Early Purple Orchid, Early Spider Orchid, Fen Orchid, Fly Orchid, Frog Orchid, Ghost Orchid, Greater Butterfly Orchid, Green-flowered Helleborine, Green-winged Orchid, Heart-flowered Tongue Orchid, Heath Fragrant Orchid, Heath Spotted Orchid, Hebridean Marsh Orchid, Irish Lady's Tresses, Irish Marsh Orchid, Lady Orchid, Lady's-slipper Orchid, Late Spider Orchid, Lesser Butterfly Orchid, Lesser Twayblade, Lindisfarne Helleborine, Lizard Orchid, Man Orchid, Marsh Fragrant Orchid, Marsh Helleborine, Military Orchid, Monkey Orchid, Musk Orchid, Narrow-leaved Helleborine, Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid, Narrow-lipped Helleborine, Northern Marsh Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Red Helleborine, Small White Orchid, Small-flowered Tongue Orchid, Southern Marsh Orchid, Tongue Orchid, Violet Helleborine, Wasp Orchid, White Helleborine, Young's Helleborine
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
40 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Grassland, meadows, roadsides, sand dunes, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 3 petals
 
The Bee Orchid is so named because the flower resembles a Bumble Bee. Each flower has 3 prominent pink sepals with gold-coloured markings on them. The flower is very unique in appearance and is unlikely to be mistaken for any other species. The Bee Orchid can take as long as 8 years before acquiring any flowers.
Fruit:
A capsule containing numerous minute seeds.
Leaves:
The leaves grow in a rosette formation.
Other Names:
Humble Bee Orchid.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Early Spider Orchid

Late Spider Orchid

Wasp Orchid

Other Information

Summary

Ophrys apifera, also known as the Bee Orchid, is a species of orchid that is native to Europe. It typically blooms in late spring or early summer, with spikes of beautiful flowers that resemble a bee. The flowers are usually brownish-purple in color, and have a distinctive "bee-like" pattern on the lip of the flower that helps to attract pollinators. It is commonly found in grassy meadows, and on road verges and wastelands. This species is considered as threatened in some countries due to habitat loss and degradation. It is a protected species in some countries and it is important to not pick or disturb the plants in the wild.

Blog

The Bee Orchid, scientifically known as Ophrys apifera, is a fascinating and beautiful plant that has captured the attention of botanists and nature lovers alike. This orchid is known for its unique appearance, which resembles a bee in flight, and its remarkable ability to attract male bees as pollinators.

The Bee Orchid is native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, where it can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and even on roadsides. This plant is relatively small, reaching heights of only 10-40 cm, but it packs a powerful punch with its striking appearance.

One of the most interesting features of the Bee Orchid is its flower, which has evolved to mimic the appearance and scent of a female bee. The flower is a complex structure with three petals and three sepals, arranged in a way that resembles a bee in flight. The center of the flower is also designed to look like a female bee, complete with a furry texture and a dark coloration that resembles the body of a bee.

This remarkable mimicry is not just for show, however. The Bee Orchid uses its appearance and scent to attract male bees, which mistake the flower for a female bee and attempt to mate with it. As the male bee attempts to mate with the flower, it comes into contact with the orchid's pollen, which sticks to its body. When the male bee visits another Bee Orchid, the pollen is transferred to the female reproductive structures, allowing for pollination to occur.

The Bee Orchid's ability to attract pollinators in this way is a testament to the power of natural selection and adaptation. By evolving to mimic a female bee, the orchid has found a clever way to ensure its survival and reproduction, even in environments where pollinators are scarce.

Despite its clever adaptations, the Bee Orchid is still threatened by habitat loss and destruction, particularly in agricultural areas. Efforts to conserve and protect this unique plant are ongoing, with many organizations working to raise awareness of its importance and promote its conservation.

In conclusion, the Bee Orchid is a fascinating and beautiful plant that has captured the attention of botanists and nature lovers alike. Its unique appearance and clever adaptations make it a remarkable example of the power of natural selection, and its importance as a pollinator is a reminder of the complex relationships that exist between plants and animals in the natural world.

Another blog about Bee Orchids

The Bee Orchid, scientifically known as Ophrys apifera, is a fascinating and beautiful plant that has captured the attention of botanists and nature lovers alike.

Appearance and Distribution

The Bee Orchid is native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, where it can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and even on roadsides. This plant is relatively small, reaching heights of only 10-40 cm, but it packs a powerful punch with its striking appearance.

Mimicry and Pollination

One of the most interesting features of the Bee Orchid is its flower, which has evolved to mimic the appearance and scent of a female bee. The flower is a complex structure with three petals and three sepals, arranged in a way that resembles a bee in flight. The center of the flower is also designed to look like a female bee, complete with a furry texture and a dark coloration that resembles the body of a bee.

This remarkable mimicry is not just for show, however. The Bee Orchid uses its appearance and scent to attract male bees, which mistake the flower for a female bee and attempt to mate with it. As the male bee attempts to mate with the flower, it comes into contact with the orchid's pollen, which sticks to its body. When the male bee visits another Bee Orchid, the pollen is transferred to the female reproductive structures, allowing for pollination to occur.

Conservation

Despite its clever adaptations, the Bee Orchid is still threatened by habitat loss and destruction, particularly in agricultural areas. Efforts to conserve and protect this unique plant are ongoing, with many organizations working to raise awareness of its importance and promote its conservation.

Evolution and Adaptation

The Bee Orchid's unique appearance and mimicry have evolved over time through natural selection. The plant's ancestors likely had a different appearance and relied on different pollinators for reproduction. Over time, variations in the appearance of the plant led to some individuals having flowers that resembled female bees. These plants were more successful at attracting male bees and reproducing, leading to the evolution of the Bee Orchid's distinctive appearance.

The Bee Orchid's mimicry is so effective that it can even fool other animals, such as hoverflies, which may attempt to mate with the flower. However, the orchid has evolved to ensure that it only attracts male bees by producing a scent that is specific to the male bee's pheromones.

Uses in Traditional Medicine

The Bee Orchid has been used in traditional medicine for its supposed healing properties. The plant was believed to have a range of medicinal benefits, including as a treatment for gastrointestinal issues and as an aphrodisiac. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims, and the use of the plant in traditional medicine has largely been replaced by modern pharmaceuticals.

Cultivation and Garden Use

The Bee Orchid can be cultivated in gardens, but it requires specific conditions to thrive. The plant prefers well-drained soil and a lot of sunlight, and it is not suitable for all garden environments. In addition, the Bee Orchid is a protected species in some areas, and it is important to ensure that any plants used in cultivation are obtained from legal and sustainable sources.

In recent years, the Bee Orchid has become a popular subject for nature photographers and enthusiasts. The plant's unique appearance and mimicry make it a fascinating subject to capture in photographs and observe in the wild.

Conclusion

The Bee Orchid, Ophrys apifera, is a remarkable plant that has evolved to mimic the appearance and scent of a female bee to attract male bees as pollinators. Its unique appearance and adaptations are a testament to the power of natural selection and evolution. However, the Bee Orchid is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and over-collection. Conservation efforts are needed to protect this remarkable species and ensure that it continues to thrive in the future.

30 Fascinating Facts about Bee Orchids

  1. The Bee Orchid, Ophrys apifera, is a species of orchid that is native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
  2. The plant is known for its distinctive appearance, which resembles a female bee.
  3. The Bee Orchid can grow up to 40 cm tall and produces a single flower on a solitary stem.
  4. The flower is made up of three sepals and three petals, with the sepals forming a hood over the petals.
  5. The hood is brownish-pink and is adorned with a central "bee-like" shape that is black and yellow.
  6. The Bee Orchid blooms from May to August.
  7. The plant is found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and roadsides.
  8. The Bee Orchid prefers well-drained soil and is often found in areas with a lot of sunlight.
  9. The plant has evolved to mimic the appearance and scent of a female bee to attract male bees as pollinators.
  10. The Bee Orchid releases a scent that is similar to that of a female bee, which further attracts male bees.
  11. Male bees are lured to the Bee Orchid because they mistake it for a female bee and attempt to mate with it.
  12. As they attempt to mate with the flower, the bee comes into contact with the orchid's pollen, which sticks to its body.
  13. When the male bee visits another Bee Orchid, the pollen is transferred to the female reproductive structures, allowing for pollination to occur.
  14. The Bee Orchid's mimicry is so effective that it can even fool other animals, such as hoverflies.
  15. The plant's ancestors likely had a different appearance and relied on different pollinators for reproduction.
  16. The Bee Orchid's unique appearance and mimicry have evolved over time through natural selection.
  17. The Bee Orchid is facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and over-collection.
  18. Conservation efforts are needed to protect this remarkable species and ensure that it continues to thrive in the future.
  19. The Bee Orchid has been used in traditional medicine for its supposed healing properties.
  20. The plant was believed to have a range of medicinal benefits, including as a treatment for gastrointestinal issues and as an aphrodisiac.
  21. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.
  22. The Bee Orchid can be cultivated in gardens, but it requires specific conditions to thrive.
  23. The plant is not suitable for all garden environments.
  24. The Bee Orchid is a protected species in some areas, and it is important to ensure that any plants used in cultivation are obtained from legal and sustainable sources.
  25. In recent years, the Bee Orchid has become a popular subject for nature photographers and enthusiasts.
  26. The plant's unique appearance and mimicry make it a fascinating subject to capture in photographs and observe in the wild.
  27. The Bee Orchid is a member of the Ophrys genus, which contains over 200 species of orchids.
  28. The name Ophrys comes from the Greek word for "eyebrow," which refers to the appearance of the sepals and petals.
  29. The Bee Orchid is also known by other common names, including the Fly Orchid and the Bee-in-flower Orchid.
  30. The Bee Orchid is a symbol of resilience and adaptation in the face of changing environments.

Video

Bee Orchids filmed in 2 locations:
  • Barrow Wake, Gloucestershire: 25th June 2023
  • Adlington, Lancashire: 14th June 2022
 

Music credits
Kool Kats by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100601
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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