Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera

Another close-up of a Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera flower which illustrates the release of pollinia (compare with the same flower a few days earlier in MN0060). A small movement of the pollinia, for example caused by wind, would allow them to contact the stigma thereby achieving self pollination.

This phenomenon ensures that the Bee Orchid produces copious quantities of seed and in part accounts for the sudden appearance of large numbers at new sites.

Another consequence of self pollination is that mutant forms of the Bee Orchid can establish themselves as independently propagating populations. Several such mutant forms, named as varieties, have been described and some are found in the UK. A few examples are shown in the following photographs (MN0064, MN0075 and MN0076).

Ref: MN0061

Location: Norfolk

Bee Orchid <em>Ophrys apifera</em>

Another close-up of a Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera flower which illustrates the release of pollinia (compare with the same flower a few days earlier in MN0060). A small movement of the pollinia, for example caused by wind, would allow them to contact the stigma thereby achieving self pollination.

This phenomenon ensures that the Bee Orchid produces copious quantities of seed and in part accounts for the sudden appearance of large numbers at new sites.

Another consequence of self pollination is that mutant forms of the Bee Orchid can establish themselves as independently propagating populations. Several such mutant forms, named as varieties, have been described and some are found in the UK. A few examples are shown in the following photographs (MN0064, MN0075 and MN0076).

Ref: MN0061

Location: Norfolk