Ophrys fusca

Brown orchid (Ophrys fusca )

The brown orchid (Ophrys fusca ) is a very diverse species in the genus Ragwurzen ( Ophrys ) in the family of the Orchid Family ( Orchidaceae). In the past, this type of about 50 different subspecies ( Subspecies ) or varieties ( Varietas ) described that are today considered by science writers either as species, subspecies or mostly as a synonym.

Here first are two subspecies are considered:

• 2.1 Description
• 2.2 dissemination

Ophrys fusca subsp. fusca

Description

This perennial herbaceous plant reaches heights of growth between 10 to 40 centimeters. The inflorescence consists of two to nine, but sometimes up to 14 flowers. The lip is dark brown to black violet and the narrow edge is hairless and the reason you find longitudinal furrows. It flowers from December to June. The plant makes use of Peckhamschen mimicry and impersonates the appearance of female yellow-footed sand bee ( Andrena flavipes ) to in order to attract males for pollination so.

Location and distribution

This orchid is found in open woods, Garriguen, poor grass and on former farmland with calcareous soils up to a maximum height of 1400 m above sea level. NN. The distribution area extends across the Mediterranean.

Variability

Also, this subspecies is multifaceted. There are different flower sizes, lip stains and flowering times. Some forms also have a gray lip and bloom until April or until May. Right well separated from each each shape is only when they occur together. Otherwise, a determination very difficult.

Ophrys fusca subsp. Vasconia

This subspecies is sometimes regarded as a separate species Ophrys vasconica (O. Danesch & E. Danesch ) P. Delforge in 1991 and then runs under the common name of the Gascony orchid.

Description

This perennial herbaceous plant reaches heights of growth between 10 to 20 centimeters. The inflorescence consists of six flowers. The lip is black purple. The time is usually brown or purple, but can also be marbled light.

Dissemination

This thriving April-May subspecies are found in southern France.