About Ophrys scolopax Cav.
Ophrys scolopax Cav. grows from underground tubers. Its leaves typically emerge above ground in late autumn, and often start turning yellow by the time flowers appear. In this species' native habitats, flowering occurs between March and June. The flower spike varies greatly in height, usually 10–50 cm (4–20 in) tall, and occasionally reaches up to 90 cm (3 ft). The number of flowers per spike is equally variable, ranging from as few as two to as many as 15 or even more. Each flower has the typical structure of the Ophrys genus. It has three outer sepals, which can be lighter or darker shades of green or violet, with the palest appearing white. Each sepal measures 7–16 mm (0.3–0.6 in) long by 3–10 mm (0.1–0.4 in) wide. The upper dorsal sepal ranges from flat to boat-shaped; it bends backwards at the base, then curves forwards. Inside the sepals are three petals: two lateral petals and the lip (labellum). Lateral petals may be pink, violet, or green, and measure around 1.5–8 mm (0.1–0.3 in) long by 0.8–4 mm (0.0–0.2 in) wide. The labellum has a complex three-dimensional shape and strong patterning. It is divided into three lobes at the base; each lobe is rolled up, so three tubes are visible from the front. The relative length of the three lobes varies. The larger central lobe is 6–16 mm (0.2–0.6 in) long, and has a more or less upturned appendage. The outer sides of the two side lobes are hairy, the margins of the central lobe are velvety, and the rest of the lobe surface is smooth. The background color of the lip is a shade of brown. The speculum is H-shaped, X-shaped, or even more complex in shape, and is usually dull blue to violet with a pale yellow border.
