Bee Orchid

Name: Bee Orchid

Scientific name: Ophyris apifera

Category: Flowers

Nature Stars: 60

What are nature stars?

About: The plant gets its name from its main pollinator - the bee - which is thought to have driven the evolution of bee-ish flowers by attempting to mate with them and thus transfering the pollen of the most 'attractive' plants.

How to identify: This dainty orchid has spotty flowers that are furry to the touch.

Where: Found throughout the UK.

Fantastic fact: The bee orchid is the county flower of Bedfordshire.

Photograph credit: Neil Aldridge