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Ophrys bertolonii subs. benacensis

Ophrys bertolonii subs. benacensis (Orchidaceae) 108 23

 

Ophrys bertolonii grows to a maximum of 45cm and carries 3-8 large flowers on each inflorescence. It is the dark, almost black, velvety lip with its shiny speculum that makes the flower so attractive. The sepals and petals are a lovely shade of pale pink, sometimes tinged or marked with green.

This orchid grows in grassy and stony places and sometimes can be found in open woodland.

This orchid is widespread throughout much of the central Mediterranean region and it spreads as far south as Greece. It is particularly common on the Gargano Peninsula in Italy. In France, a rare but very similar plant occurs, Ophrys bertolonii subsp. aurelia, and there is another similar-looking orchid recorded from northern Italy - Ophrys bertolonii subsp. benacensis.

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Uploaded on April 18, 2023
Taken on April 18, 2023