066-915 0530 || 
Warning
JUser: :_load: Unable to load user with ID: 62
Features
Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera
Written by Lorcan
Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera
This is a a recent picture of the Bee Orchid/Magairlín na Beiche taken in the Ballyferriter area found by Jill Crosher while on survey work. The Bee orchid is found mostly in southern Ireland and England and is quite rare.
This attractive and hardy orchid can grow up to 30cms, and can take 5-8 years to flower. The flower is very unique, with its pink petals and a brown centre which looks like the body of a bee.
In the case of the bee orchid the single flower is the culmination of up to 8 years growth and, if picked, the plant is unlikely to flower again and has lost its only chance of producing seeds. So if you are lucky enough to see them make sure not to pick them.
They are most likely to be seen in flower between May and July. Bee orchids are notoriously unpredictable, appearing for a few years at a site in good numbers and then completely vanishing. They prefer freely-drained and base-rich soils and can be found on areas of chalk grassland, in coastal sand dunes, woodland rides and in grassland amongst scrub.
This is a a recent picture of the Bee Orchid/Magairlín na Beiche taken in the Ballyferriter area found by Jill Crosher while on survey work. The Bee orchid is found mostly in southern Ireland and England and is quite rare.
This attractive and hardy orchid can grow up to 30cms, and can take 5-8 years to flower. The flower is very unique, with its pink petals and a brown centre which looks like the body of a bee.
In the case of the bee orchid the single flower is the culmination of up to 8 years growth and, if picked, the plant is unlikely to flower again and has lost its only chance of producing seeds. So if you are lucky enough to see them make sure not to pick them.
They are most likely to be seen in flower between May and July. Bee orchids are notoriously unpredictable, appearing for a few years at a site in good numbers and then completely vanishing. They prefer freely-drained and base-rich soils and can be found on areas of chalk grassland, in coastal sand dunes, woodland rides and in grassland amongst scrub.
Published in
Features
Published in
Features