Ophrys insectifera aka Fly Orchid

Ophrys insectifera, the fly orchid, belongs to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is a perennial native to Europe, including Britain. Its range runs from Norway south and east to the Mediterranean. The RHS also records it as native to Britain and Ireland. Plants reach about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) in height. Wild habitats include woods, copses, field edges, banks, and grassy slopes. It also grows on spoil slopes and in fens. Many of these sites lie over chalk or limestone.

The fly orchid blooms from May to June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Flies and bees carry its pollen. Its seeds have tiny embryos and very little stored food. A soil fungus helps feed the seed as it sprouts. Fungal threads enter the embryo, which draws food from them. This close link helps explain why growing it from seed is hard. Seed propagation needs moisture and access to a suitable fungus. PFAF advises surface sowing fresh seed without letting the compost dry.

The plant grows in sun or light woodland shade. It prefers moist soil and accepts sand, loam, or clay. Its stated pH range spans mildly acid to mildly alkaline soil. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. It can grow in lawns and meadows. Grass cutting must wait until the plants have set seed. This limits its use in lawns kept short through spring. PFAF describes cultivation as difficult because of the orchid’s fungal link. Its cultivation notes warn that transplanting may disrupt that link. They also warn that fertilizers and fungicides can harm the supporting fungus. The plant may sometimes appear without planting and then grow well. PFAF does not flag it as a weed.

PFAF records the cooked root as edible. The dried, ground tuber yields salep, a powder used in food. It can go into drinks, bread, or cereal dishes. The source also records traditional medicinal uses for salep. Its mucilage forms a jelly used to soothe digestive irritation. These records describe past uses, rather than proving medical benefit. PFAF lists no known hazards for this species. That does not establish safety for every person or pet. The supplied evidence gives no specific pest or disease problems.