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’?