Ophrys sphegodes ssp aesculapii Endemic
This is a another Ophrys species with several synonyms in use. This was identified to us as Ophrys aesculapii, named after the Greek god of medicine Asclepius, but World Flora online (2025) suggests it is yet another Ophrys sphegodes subspecies. The taxonomic problems of this genus are so well known that Bateman says in Cah. Soc. Fr. Orch., n° 7 (2010) – Actes 15e colloque de la Société Française d‟Orchidophilie, Montpellier 89:
"But although the genus is easily identifiable, many of its constituent species are not; attempting to separate putative species within this genus can provoke at best frustration and at worst temporary insanity in even the most experienced field orchidologist."
A Greek endemic plant, Ophrys sphegodes ssp aesculapii is mostly found on the mainland but some sites exist on Euobea and Pelopponese.
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| Ophrys sphegodes ssp aesculapii English |
Music Lodge hinterland, Euobea, Greece 2nd April 2024
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