Bumblebee orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora, J. Bot. (Schrader) 1799(2): 325 (1800))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Link

Bibliography: J. Bot. (Schrader) 1799(2): 325 (1800)

Year: 1800

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ophrys

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Canary Is., Medit.

Description

The Bumblebee orchid, scientifically recognized as Ophrys bombyliflora, is a captivating species within the Orchidaceae family. Introduced to the botanical community through J. Bot. (Schrader) in the period of 1799 to 1800 by the author Link, this unique orchid has since intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Thriving predominantly in the Canary Islands and various Mediterranean regions, the Bumblebee orchid exhibits a remarkable mimicry of a bumblebee in both appearance and function. This mimicry plays a significant role in the orchid’s pollination strategy. The flowers of Ophrys bombyliflora are ingeniously designed to attract bumblebees, luring them under the false pretense of mating. This deceptive allure facilitates the transfer of pollen, ensuring the orchid’s reproductive success.

The vibrant and peculiar appearance of the Bumblebee orchid, combined with its fascinating ecological interactions, makes it a subject of considerable interest in the study of plant-pollinator relationships. It stands as a prime example of the intricate and often surprising adaptations found within the plant kingdom.

Common Names

En: Bumblebee orchid, Bumble-bee Orchid, Bumble Bee Orchid
Ca: Abellera petita, Mosques petites
Fi: Mettiäisorho
Fr: Ophrys bombyle, Ophrys Bombyx
De: Drohnen-Ragwurz, Hummelragwurz
It: Orchidea fior di Bombo, Ofride fior di bombo
Es: Orquídea abejorro
Sv: Humle-ofrys
Tr: Bombus salebi

Synonyms

• Arachnites bombyliflorus ((Link) Tod.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (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 Apr 2, 2021 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (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.

Habit

Taken Apr 5, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2022 by Guy MOLL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2015 by Jean-Francois Julien (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 29, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2022 by Guy MOLL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2793699)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:647801-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ophrys bombyliflora Link)

Specifications

Growth