Ophrys lunulata Parla. 1838 Photo courtesy of P.-M. Blais and the Orchids of France and Europe

Part sunCold Spring

Common Name The Lunulate Ophrys [refers to the markings on the speculum]

Flower Size 1.25" [3.2 cm]

A miniature to medium sized, cold growing terrestrial orchid that is endemic to Sicily in short grasslands, meadows, garrigue, scrub and open woodlands at elevations of sealevel to 800 meters in full sun to light shade and blooms in the spring on a terminal, erect, 4 to 16" [10 to 40 cm] long, laxly, 6 to 10 flowered inflorescence.

Synonyms Arachnites lunulata Tod. 1842; Ophrys sphegodes subsp. lunulata (Parl.) H.Sund. 1980

References W3 Tropicos, Kew Monocot list , IPNI ; AOS Bulletin Vol 54 No 3 1985 photo fide; Orchids of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East Delforge 2005; Ophyrs The Bee Orchids of Europe Pederson & Faurholdt 2007

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