Ophrys tenthredinifera aka Sawfly Orchid

Ophrys tenthredinifera, the sawfly orchid, belongs to the orchid family. Its native range lies around the Mediterranean. Kew lists it as a plant of subtropical climates. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This perennial grows from underground tubers and reaches about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Its tubers support new growth from year to year.

In the wild, it grows in open ground among scrub. It occurs on calcareous soils, which contain calcium carbonate. Records place it at elevations up to 3,937 feet [1,200 metres]. Plants For A Future lists flowering from May to June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers.

In gardens, this orchid prefers moist soil with good drainage. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Neutral to mildly alkaline conditions suit it. Plants For A Future lists both light shade and full sun. Its cultivation notes favour a shaded spot. The same source gives USDA hardiness zones 7–10. Lawns and meadows are possible settings for this small perennial. Where it grows in grass, delay mowing until seeds have formed.

Growing it from seed calls for close attention to moisture. Sow fresh seed on the surface in a greenhouse. Do not let the growing medium dry out. The seeds hold very little stored food. They need a partnership with a soil fungus to develop. This dependence helps explain why cultivation can prove difficult. Plants For A Future warns that fertilisers can harm this partnership. Fungicides can also damage the fungus on which orchids depend. Such damage can lead to the loss of the plant.

Plants For A Future records the cooked root as edible. The tuber provides salep, a powder made by drying and grinding. People use it in drinks, bread, and other cereal foods. The source also describes its past use as a nourishing food. Its mucilage forms a jelly when mixed with water. Traditional use includes soothing irritation in the digestive tract. These records describe uses rather than establish medical benefit. The source lists no known hazards for this species. That statement does not establish safety for every person or pet.