Bee Orchid
Common name:
Bee Orchid
Latin:
Ophrys apifera
Irish:
Magairlín na mbeach
Family:
Orchidaceae- The Orchid Family
Flowering period:
June to July
Native:
Yes
Habitat:
Limestone grasslands, sandy banks
Conservation Status:
Short description:
Stout pale green stems support big flowers(15-20mm) with pink sepals and a broad velvety-brown labellum with golden-yellow markings.
Noteworthy characteristics:
With flowers mimicking the shape of a bumble bee this is a most stunning wild orchid, the first sighting of one will not be forgotten.
Uses and other points of interest:
There are no specific uses recorded for Bee Orchids in Ireland.
Personal note:
Pure joy! I love this wonderful orchid, it never fails to bring feelings of happiness year after year, I thoroughly recommend spending some quiet time staring into these smiling wonders
Conservation Status
Wildlife (NI) Order, 1985
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