Ophrys reinholdii
Ophrys reinholdii
Written by Monday, 08 June 2009 00:00
"At present, I am mainly observing the physical motion of mountains, water, trees and flowers. One is everywhere reminded of similar movements in the human body, of similar impulses of joy and suffering in plants." Egon Schiele
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Ophrys reinholdii (Family: Orchidinae) Their scientific name Ophrys is the Greek word for "eyebrow", referring to the furry edges of the lips of several species which belong into this genus. Ophrys was first mentioned in the book "Natural History" by Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD). The flowers surpass all other European orchids. Two to twelve flowers grow on an erect stem with basal leaves. They are absolutely unique not only because of their unequaled beauty, color range and exceptional forms, but also because of the ingenuity by which they attract insects. Their lip mimics several insects, such as that of a bee, a wasp, or a beetle, attracting and duping the right pollinator. This visual cue serves as a close-range attractant. This pollination mimicry is enhanced by producing the scent of the receptive female insect. This is the long-range attractant. These insect pheromones cause them to approach and investigate the flowers more closely. This all happens in a period that only males are active and females haven't appeared yet (1). Taking close up pictures of the flowers of this plant is quite a task. Firstly, it is a very short plant. Secondly, it is usually found amongst other plants which almost always obscure it. Thirdly, they last for a very short time, a couple of days at most. When you see one, you better take your camera and take a photo on the spot. It is also tricky to take a good picture of it since most of it is reflective and very dark – sunlight alone is not enough unless you raise the ISO to high levels – but there goes the detail. Photos by Marina Parha and George J. Reclos Shooting Data: 1. Camera: Nikon D700 2. Camera: Nikon D700 3. Camera: Nikon D700 4. Camera: Nikon D700 5. Camera: Nikon D700
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These photographs are the property of MCH Portal and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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