Early spider orchid
Ophrys sphegodes

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

A ground orchid. It can be up to 45 cm tall. The leaves at the base are oval or sword shaped and blunt. The leaves on the stem are more narrow and sheath the stem. They are pointed. The flower spike has 2-10 flowers. The flower resembles a spider. The petals are green. The lip is 10-12 mm long.

There are about 140 Ophrys species.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate and Mediterranean climate places. It grows in grassy and rocky places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The starch of the bulb is used for porridge or bread.

Edible parts

Root, bulb

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kokica, Osjeliko mačje uho

Synonyms

Ophrys aranifera;