Inflated orchid flower (Ophrys mammosa). This is one of the bee orchids, which are so named for the distinctively shaped and marked part that resemble

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Inflated orchid flower (Ophrys mammosa). This is one of the bee orchids, which are so named for the distinctively shaped and marked part that resembles insects such as bees. This part of the flower is a specialised petal, called a lip, that attracts pollinators. This orchid is found in south-eastern Europe and Mediterranean areas of the Middle East. It is a terrestrial orchid (one that grows in the ground). There are more than 30,000 species of orchids worldwide, many of which are grown as ornamental flowers. Photographed in Akamas, Cyprus.

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Size: 3453px × 5197px
Photo credit: © PAUL HARCOURT DAVIES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: akamas, bee, biological, biology, botanical, botany, cyprus, european, flower, flowering, flowers, inflated, mammosa, mediterranean, mimesis, mimic, nature, ophrys, orchid, plant, reproduction, reproductive, single, temperate, terrestrial