Blog launched: November 10, 2009

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Ophrys basilissa

801_2742 [Ophrys basilissa]

 
A rare Ophrys that was initially considered native to Crete
but was also found on many Aegean islands.
The above picture, however, was taken near the Marathon Lake in Attica.
 
It flowers from late January to early April
on sunny, dry grounds at heights up to 500 m.
 
The name “basilissa” (a Greek word for “queen”)
refers to the large lip of the flower (= almost 3 cm long).
Remember the English expressions ‘king size’ and ‘queen size’? 
 
 

No comments:

Post a Comment