Ophrys apifera

Μελισσούι, Οφρύς η μελισσοφόρος

Etymology of Ophrys apifera: The name of the genus "Ophrys" comes from the ancient Greek word "ὀφρύς" that means "eyebrow" and represents the hairy edge of the flower bud found in many species.  "Apifera" comes from Latin "apis", meaning "a bee", and "fero", meaning "to bear", which literally means "bearing bees", alluding to the beelike shape of the flowers.

It is estimated that at least 31 Ophrys species, subspecies and hybrids have been discovered in Cypriot nature so far.

Late flowering orchid, Ophrys apifera blossoms from March till May (the majority of the Ophrys species don't live until May in Cyprus, making this species a long-lasting one). Ophrys apifera appears in southern Cyprus at an altitude of up to 925 metres. It also grows in the Morfou region. Compared to the rest of the Ophrys species, Ophrys apifera is not a popular orchid in Cyprus.