Yellow ophrys (Ophrys lutea, Icon. 2:46, t. 160. 1793)

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Cav.

Bibliography: Icon. 2:46, t. 160. 1793

Year: 1793

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ophrys

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Medit. to SW. Türkiye

Description

The Yellow Ophrys, known scientifically as Ophrys lutea, is a remarkable species within the Orchidaceae family. This captivating orchid, first described in the early 1790s, garners attention for its vibrant and conspicuous yellow blooms, which contribute to its common name.

A striking feature of the Yellow Ophrys is its unique flower shape and color. The petals and sepals are typically a bright yellow, often with patterns or markings that seem to mimic the appearance of certain insects. This mimicry is more than a mere visual delight; it plays a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive strategy. By attracting specific pollinators through visual and perhaps olfactory cues, Ophrys lutea ensures successful pollination and continuation of the species.

Geographically, the Yellow Ophrys is native to regions spanning from the Western and Central Mediterranean to the southwestern parts of Türkiye. This distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to diverse Mediterranean climates, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The habitats where Ophrys lutea thrives often include rocky slopes, open woodlands, and grassy fields, where it can be found growing in well-drained soils with ample sunlight.

Discovery and classification of the Yellow Ophrys trace back to the late 18th century. The plant was duly documented in “Icon. 2:46, t. 160.” in 1793 by botanist Cav., contributing to a greater understanding of the rich biodiversity within the Orchidaceae family and the Mediterranean region.

Appreciated by botanists and orchid enthusiasts alike, Ophrys lutea remains a subject of study not only for its beauty but also for the ecological interactions it fosters in its natural habitat. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this species, as habitat loss and changes in climate can impact its populations. By appreciating and understanding the intricacies of the Yellow Ophrys, we contribute to the broader endeavor of preserving our planet’s botanical treasures.

Common Names

En: Yellow Ophrys, Yellow Bee-orchid
Ar: وفريس أصفر
Ca: Abellera groga
Co: Ofride gialla
Nl: Gele orchis
Fi: Keltaorho
Fr: Ophrys jaune
De: Gelbe Ragwurz
El: Οφρύς η κίτρινη
He: דבורנית צהובה
It: Orchidea gialla, Ofride gialla
Es: Flor de abeja amarilla, Ofris amarilla, Orquídea amarilla
Sv: Gul ofrys
: Yellow ophrys

Synonyms

• Arachnites luteus ((Cav.) Tod.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 4, 2021 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2019 by donato innocenzo grippo donato innocenzo grippo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2019 by Antonio Jesús Reina Pacheco (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 11, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Fabien KENDALL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2021 by Stéphane Mars (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 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.

Bark

Taken May 14, 2021 by López Margarita (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken May 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 14, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Eric Godineau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Sarzah (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

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

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

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/9226313)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:647978-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ophrys lutea Cav.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 9.0

Ph minimum: 8.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 3