Habitat
Short chalk turf and sandy soils, mainly in open sunny areas but also in beech- and
ashwoods.
Geographical spread
Throughout England, Wales and Ireland. Also found in Europe, North
Africa and Near East.
Size
20-50cm tall.
Status
Wide distribution but fairly rare.
Coloration and looks
Sepals range from pale pink to bright violet-rose in colour, with several
distinct green veins. Petals are green or brownish. The lip is reddish or purplish brown with soft
velvety surface, marked with pale, smooth lines and dashes.
Normal lifehistory
The Bee orchid takes 5-8 years to reach maturity. It flowers between late
May and July. Having flowered the the plant normally dies (i.e. it is monocarpic). The flower
spike bears 2-7 widely-spaced flowers. 5-6 leaves form a basal rosette of greyish-green colour
and 2 other leaves enclose the stem.
Pollination
Although this species is adapted for cross-pollination by bees, it is usually self-
pollinated. To achieve this the pollinial stalks bend down, bringing the pollinia into contact with
the stigma.
Reasons for decline
Many people pick Bee orchids believing that it will flower again the next
year. Numbers have decreased but it appears to be very uncertain and fluctuating in its
appearances.
File last modified Thursday, October 3, 1996