Ophrys bombyliflora aka Bumble Bee Orchid

Ophrys bombyliflora is a ground-growing orchid from the Mediterranean region. Its common names include bumble bee orchid and humble bee orchid. It belongs to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. This deciduous perennial grows upright from tubers. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The RHS notes that it is very common in Portugal, including the Algarve. There it grows in coastal sand mixed with crushed shells. It also grows on waste ground and old farmland.

Dark green, oblong leaves form a rosette at ground level. The RHS gives a garden height of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Its spread reaches about 0.3 feet [0.1 metres]. The flower spikes reach about 1.1 feet [0.35 metres]. Flowers can open from February to April. Each flower has oval green sepals and triangular petals touched with bronze. The brownish lip has three lobes and a soft, velvety surface. Its bee-like shape gives the plant its common names.

Grow this orchid in partial shade with soil that drains well. The RHS favours sandy or gritty soil with plenty of humus. Soil should be neutral to alkaline. Its listed soil types include chalk, loam and sand. Sites facing east or west suit its stated needs. The RHS assigns it hardiness rating H6. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. The RHS gives two to five years as the time to maturity.

This small orchid suits informal beds, banks and wildflower meadows. The RHS also lists wildlife gardens among its uses. It can settle into fine turf. Plant dormant tubers in autumn, at least 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] deep. Separate offsets in autumn to raise more plants. Remove spent flowers as they fade. Slugs and snails may damage it, though the RHS reports few disease problems.

Plants For A Future records cooked roots as edible. It describes drying and grinding the tubers to make salep. This powder can go into drinks, bread and cereal dishes. The same source records salep as a traditional soothing food. Its mucilage forms a jelly used for irritation of the digestive tract. These records describe past uses, rather than proof of medical benefit. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for every person or pet.