(Ophrys apifera)

The Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) is probably the most distinct orchid growing on Bradgers Hill.

Blooming from April to July, the bee orchid gets it name from the distinctive labellum  which is the part of the plant that attracts insects. The labellum is hairy and similar in appearance to a bee. The plant also emits a scent  that mimics the female bee in an attempt to attract male bees. Pollen transfer  takes place when the male bee pseudocopulates with the labellum. However, the bee orchid is not dependant upon males bees, the plant is capable of self pollination and this is it’s most common method of reproduction it uses in northern ranges of the world.

If your see one, take a photo and submit it to us for use on this website. We’d love to see your submission.

You can see a photograph of a Bee Orchid taken on Bradgers Hill to the left!