Ophrys fusca aka Sombre Bee Orchid

Ophrys fusca, the brown bee orchid, belongs to the orchid family. It is a perennial from Mediterranean Europe. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows among rocks, grass and scrub. Plants reach about 1.3 feet (0.4 metres) tall. Its modest size suits close viewing in a lawn or meadow.

Flowers open from May to June, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between flowers. In a lawn, leave the grass uncut until seeds have formed. This lets the orchid finish its seed cycle before mowing. The plant also has value in gardens planned for scent.

Plants For A Future recommends shade, though it also lists sun and partial shade as suitable. The plant prefers moist soil with good drainage and low fertility. It can grow in sand, loam or clay. Its listed soil range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. The source gives USDA hardiness zones 6–9. These needs make soil conditions as important as the planting site.

This orchid is hard to grow because it depends on soil fungi. Those fungi help it gain the food it needs. Fertilizers and fungicides can harm this link and kill the plant. Moving an established plant can also disturb the partnership. Yet plants may arrive without planting and grow well in gardens. Seeds hold few food reserves and need fungi to start growth. Sow ripe seed on the surface under glass. Keep the growing mix from drying out during this stage. Soil from near established plants can help introduce the needed fungi.

The cooked root has a recorded food use. Drying and grinding the tuber produces a powder called salep. People have used it in drinks, bread and other cereal foods. Salep contains mucilage, which forms a jelly when mixed with water. Traditional uses include soft foods for children and people recovering from illness. It has also served as a soothing preparation for gut irritation. These are reported 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.