THE VARIEGATED BEE ORCHID – Ophrys apifera 'variegata'

My Special Orchid Find.

Orchids come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Bee Orchids (Ophrys apifera) are certainly one of those orchids that thrill you every time they are seen. As far as orchids go, they are relatively common throughout the UK, on chalky or limestone soils, former quarries, dunes, roadside verges or in places where limestone or chalk has previously being deposited. Here in the north they are less seen than in many southern counties, however when you come across one you are usually quick to notice many more. On some sites they have been known to occur in the thousands, but those circumstances seem to be more rarer these days. Rarer still are variegated plants and in particular members of Orchidaceae. 

Immature leaves are strap like and spreading.

              

In maturity, leaves are distinctly shorter, reflexed and often overlapping and in a tighter rosette form.

This variegated Bee Orchid - the only one ever recorded, was found by me in Silsden in 2019, on a former industrial site. It was found amongst a colony of Bee Orchids in which I had permission to save and relocate after planning consent was granted for a new housing development. Having found it I potted it up and managed to look after it for three years. For each of those years, in the autumn, as it emerged and grew, I was delighted to its beautiful variegation.  Unfortunately in the Spring of the third year, and before I thought it might flower the first time, it succumbed to rot due to consistent wet weather. Irrespective you can see how amazing the foliage was.

I carried out research to see if it could be propagated by meri-stem/tissue culture, but sadly I could not find anyone experienced enough to attempt it. I was saddened for many weeks after losing this beautiful gem of an orchid.

Let me know what your thoughts are on this little stunner?