OPHRYS TENTHREDINIFERA Willd. – Sawfly Orchid

Family: Orchidaceae Juss.

Distribution: Mediterranean species – all regions except Southwestern Asia.
Habitat: It grows on meadows and pastures, in bushes (garrigue), up to 900(–1200) metres above sea level.
Description: A perennial herb with an erect stem, 10–40 cm high. The basal leaves are ovate to lanceolate, subobtuse or acute, the cauline similar, acute. The inflorescence is 3 to 10-flowered, lax, with pink sepals and narrow pink petals, lip 11–14 × 11–14 mm, brown with yellow margins and sign U-shaped. Flowers from April to May. The fruit is a capsule.
Threat and Protection: The Sawfly Orchid is a protected plant by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).


These images were taken in Italy, Gargano, Coppa del Sacramento and Coppa della Macchia (dates 18. and 20. 4. 2008).