Family: Orchidaceae
Author: Link
Bibliography: J. Bot. (Schrader) 1799(2): 324 (1800)
Year: 1800
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ophrys
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Medit.
Description
The Looking-glass orchid, scientifically known as Ophrys speculum, is a captivating member of the Orchidaceae family. This exquisite plant is native to the Mediterranean region, where it thrives in its unique ecological niche.
Named for its striking resemblance to a mirror or looking-glass, Ophrys speculum showcases an extraordinary floral design. The orchid features a remarkable labellum—its distinctive lip—that mimics the metallic-blue sheen of a mirror, surrounded by velvety, brownish-red petals. This intricate mimicry is not just an aesthetic marvel but also an evolutionary adaptation. The labellum is designed to attract male insects, particularly bees, by imitating the appearance and sometimes the pheromones of female insects. This intriguing strategy, known as pseudo-copulation, ensures pollination as the deceived male insect attempts to mate with the flower, thereby transferring pollen.
The botanical history of Ophrys speculum is well-documented, with its scientific description first appearing in 1800 in the “J. Bot. (Schrader)” journal, authored by the renowned botanist Link. This early classification underscores the longstanding interest and study of this species within the botanical community.
In its natural habitat, the Looking-glass orchid prefers environments that offer adequate sunlight, often flourishing in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands. The Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, provides ideal conditions for its growth. The orchid’s unique relationship with its pollinators and its specialized habitat preferences highlight the delicate balance required for its survival.
Conservation efforts are crucial for the Looking-glass orchid, as habitat loss and environmental changes pose significant threats to its natural populations. Protecting the Mediterranean landscape and maintaining the ecological integrity of this region are essential to preserve the beauty and biological significance of Ophrys speculum for future generations.
Common Names
En: Looking-glass Orchid, Mirror Orchid
Ca: Abellera de mirall, Mosques blaves
Fi: Peiliorho
Fr: Ophrys Miroir, Ophrys bécasse, Ophrys cilié
De: Spiegel-Ragwurz
It: Orchidea azzurra, Ofride azzurra
Synonyms
- Arachnites speculum ((Link) Tod.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Corse (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2018 by Leo Giardi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2019 by Antonio Jesús Reina Pacheco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 29, 2018 by juanbautistafernandez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 1, 2014 by Sergi Caparrós (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Centeno Juan D (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2022 by Frederic Vieilledent (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Fresquita Palangana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Franklin Liyad Badiah Bantoo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Adrian Domínguez (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2022 by Frederic Vieilledent (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2017 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Fruit
Taken Apr 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 1, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 1, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:648125-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2792665)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ophrys speculum Link)