Ophrys lutea aka Yellow Ophrys

Ophrys lutea is a perennial orchid in the Orchidaceae family. Its common names include yellow bee orchid and yellow orchid. It comes from the Mediterranean region, across parts of three continents. Its range includes southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Records include Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, and Morocco. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres] tall. Its leaves persist from October through June. Flowers appear from March to May, and insects pollinate them. Each flower has both male and female organs. In the wild, it grows in open Mediterranean scrub. These habitats include maquis and garigue on lime-rich soils. Plants often grow in full sun in these settings.

In gardens, it prefers moist soil with good drainage. It can grow in sand, loam, or clay. Neutral to alkaline soil suits it. PFAF lists both light shade and unshaded sites as suitable. Its cultivation notes favour a shaded spot. The source gives USDA hardiness zones 7–10. It also gives UK zone 8, not an RHS H-rating. A lawn or meadow can provide a place to grow it. Leave the grass uncut until the orchid has set seed.

This orchid can be hard to grow from seed. Its tiny seeds hold very little stored food. They need a soil fungus to support early growth. PFAF links orchid cultivation problems to this close fungal partnership. Its general orchid guidance warns against fertilisers and fungicides. These can harm the fungus on which plants depend. Moving plants may also disturb that link. Sow ripe seed on the compost surface in a greenhouse. Keep the seed compost from drying out during propagation.

PFAF records the cooked underground parts as edible. Dried, ground tubers provide a powder known as salep. People use it in drinks, bread, and cereal foods. Salep contains mucilage, which forms a jelly with water. Traditional uses include soothing irritation in the digestive tract. These reports describe past uses, not proof of medical benefit. PFAF lists no known hazards for this species. That statement does not establish safety for every person or pet. The source reports no weed potential.