OPHRYS FUSCA subsp.THRIPTIENSIS

Family and Genus:- See- ORCHIDACEAE

Common Names:- None

Homotypic Synonyms:- Ophrys thriptiensis

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

philosopher Pliny.

Fusca (L) Bright-brown, swathy, dark-coloured

Thriptiensis (L) From Thripti, E.Crete.

General description:- Very small squat plant.

Stem:-

1) To 10 cm.

Leaves:-

1) Basal, oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, mucronate.

2) Cauline, 1-2, lanceolate, acute.

Flowers:-

1) 1-3 medium-sized.

2) Labellum, edges of the lips turned downwards, with a groove.at the base, the

edge of the which is thrown up in a flattish swelling.

3) Blazon, silver-grey.

Fruit:-

1) Capsule, dehiscing, by 3 or 6 longitudinal slits.

2) Seeds numerous, minute, with undifferentiated embryo and no endosperm.

Click here for a glossary of terms used.

Habitat:- Dry open shrubby vegetation, open coniferous woodland and fallow

terraces. 0-1100 m.

Distribution:- Endemic to the Thripti area. Rare.

Flowering time:- Mostly Mar-Apr.

Photos by:- Yannis Zacharakis