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Orchidaceae
Early Spider Orchid
Ophrys sphegodes
Deception and allure.
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Genus
- Ophrys
- Native to
- Europe
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Type
- Perennial
- Height
- 10-40 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- Calcareous, well-drained
- Water
- Low
- Hardiness
- 6-9
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Did you know
- The lip of the flower mimics the appearance and scent of a female spider wasp to attract male pollinators.
- Male wasps attempt to mate with the flower, unknowingly transferring pollen in the process.
- Each plant depends on a specific mycorrhizal fungus to germinate and may take 5-8 years to first flower.
- It is one of the earliest orchids to bloom in Europe, sometimes appearing as early as March.
- In the UK it is extremely rare, found at fewer than 20 sites, mostly in southern England.
Color meanings
0
Cunning
1
Allure
2
Mystique