FLY ORCHID |
OPHRYS INSECTIFERA |
|
| Fig 1 |
DESCRIPTION: Height up to 60cm. From the three or
four floppy basal leaves arises a spindly stem that bears few
leaves. The flowers are well spaced and are usually up to 10 in
number. They are chocolate brown with a greyish-blue central
patch. The lower lip is split so as to give the appearance of two
legs. Two arm-like projections are located 2 thirds of the way up
the flower with 2 upper petals seemingly antennae-like. The 3
sepals are lanceolate and green. DISTRIBUTION: Southern England from Kent to Dorset more
localised northwards to Cumbria. HABITAT: Woodland, fens, grassy areas and scrub on
lime. FLOWERING TIME: May to June. |