OPHRYS PHAIDRA

Family and Genus:- See- ORCHIDACEAE

Common Names:- None

Homotypic Synonyms:- None

Meaning:- Ophrys (L) Eye-brow, a name used by the Roman naturalist and

philosopher Pliny.

Phaidra (Gr) Beaming, shining.

General description:- Short to medium perennial.

Stem:-

1) Usually tall.

Leaves:-

Flowers:-

1) Spike, from 2 to 8.flowers.

2) Labellum, 12,3-14,1 mm., flat, usually bearing a wide yellow margin, coloration

varing from brown to black, speculum separated by a distinct central, longitudinal

groove.

Click here for a glossary of terms used.

Habitat:- Dry and alkaline soils, in dry open shrubby vegetation, at high altitudes.

Distribution:- Wide distribution throughout Crete, including Spili in Zaros, in

Asteroussia and the Thripti mountains.

Flowering time:- Apr-May.

Photos by:- Fotis Samaritakis