Ophrys tenthredinifera

[SteveC]

As the other thread has gone way off topic and disappeared into a dark place I will continue here if that is alright!

I think I have mentioned before the variability in this species. The book by Delforge which is a sort of bible of European Orchids splits the species into eight which have only subtle differences.

I would put the lack of height in your plant down to it being young. If you can keep it growing and get the tuber bigger the plant and number of flowers will also increase. But beware! One day you will get a great show of flowers and no replacement tuber. That's just the way it is.

I thought you might be interested in a few shots of this growing on Majorca. The first shows the sort of terrain they can grow in, right by the road. You will have to play spot the orchid but it is there. The second was growing in a crevice on a hill side with virtually no soil, whilst the rest are just pretty!

On the last one those nearest the camera are getting more light and are definitely shorter than those in the background which are more shaded.

Whilst I was photographing this last group a guided party of tourists went past and not one stopped to look at the plants. Perhaps they had seen plenty already, perhaps they were just sad!