Sawfly orchid, Beetle orchid (Rare)
Ophrys tenthredinifera is one of our rare species distributed in the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean Regions of our country. It prefers scrubland and forested areas at altitudes of up to about 500 m. The human pressure on the species is increasing with every passing day as its distribution areas are generally close to tourism developments along the coastline, and also since it is very easy for the people who live in the nearby settlements to pluck them for making sahlep. The Sawfly orchid generally has a slender structure and can reach heights of about 30 cm. The number of leaves is 3-9 with shapes ranging from ovoid-lanceolate with an acute tip. The number of flowers is 1-8 which are rather attractive and densely arranged at the top part of the inflorescence. The sepals have colours ranging from circular-ovoid, whitish to reddish purple. The petals are triangular, generally auricled at the base with pinkish purple colour. The labellum is entire and has bosses at the shoulders, with a length of 11-17 mm. The speculum is small with colours ranging from brownish to violet. The appendix is thick, distinctive, from spherical to triangular in shape.
