Ophrys sphegodes

FamilyGenus: Ophrysheimisch in Deutschland

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Species

interact

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Interactions

documented

About this species

Ophrys sphegodes is a small terrestrial orchid native in Great Britain. It bears intricate flowers in April on a stem about 18 cm tall, thriving in sunny, calcareous, low-nutrient grasslands.

Ecological network

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Pollination

Ecological significance

As a native species of species‑rich calcareous grassland, Ophrys sphegodes contributes to the botanical diversity of these habitats.

Annual cycle

This perennial orchid produces its flowers in April.

Safety note

Safety information for this species is not documented.

Standort & Merkmale

Light

Sonne

Moisture

Frisch (Mäßig feucht)

Soil

Schwachzehrer (Magerer Boden)

Bloom time

Apr – Apr

Soil reaction

Basisch / Kalkhold

Bioregion

Continental

Growth form

Krautige Pflanze

Woodiness

Nicht verholzt

Leaf type

Breitblättrig

Plant height

0.178 m

Morphological traits: TRY ID3 (CC BY 3.0) & TRY ID81 (CC BY)

Pflege & Anbau

Ophrys sphegodes is exceptionally difficult to cultivate and is best left undisturbed in its wild habitat. If attempting to grow it, provide a sunny, freely draining, nutrient-poor calcareous substrate and keep the soil moderately moist during the growing season. The plant relies on a specific soil fungus (orchid mycorrhiza) and is unlikely to persist without it. Never collect plants or seed from the wild.

Scientific profile

Ophrys sphegodes is a native wild orchid of Great Britain. It is a herbaceous, non-woody terrestrial plant with broad leaves. The flowering stem typically reaches around 18 cm in height. It grows in full sun on fresh, moderately moist, nutrient-poor soils, showing a strong preference for calcareous or basic substrates. The plant forms an orchid mycorrhizal association (OM type) necessary for its nutrient uptake. Flowering is restricted to April. Ellenberg-type indicator values confirm its high light demand (8), base‑rich soil reaction (8), low nutrient status (3), and tolerance of only low levels of disturbance.

Bestäuber & Besucher

1 Arten interagieren mit dieser Pflanze

Osmia rufohirta

Sources & data origin

•TraitCH — CC BY 4.0TraitCH 2.0 contributors; imported as source-preserving NaturKompass taxon evidence.

•pollinator_interactions

•FloraWeb / BfN

•EIVE 1.0 — Dengler et al. (2023), DOI: 10.3897/VCS.98324 (CC BY 4.0)

•GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — GBIF Secretariat (2024), DOI: 10.15468/39omei (CC BY 4.0)

•TRY Categorical Traits (ID3) — Kattge et al. (2012), DOI: 10.17871/TRY.3 (CC BY 3.0)

•TRY Global Spectrum (ID81) — Díaz et al. (2016/2021), DOI: 10.17871/TRY.81 (CC BY)

•Govaerts R et al. (2025) — World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) v14. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. DOI: 10.34885/xs7h-ze42 (CC BY 4.0)

All data is licensed under CC BY 4.0, CC0, or compatible. Attribution according to license terms. Full source overview →