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Ophrys fusca

Dull orchid

Photographed Algarve, Portugal, 12 April 2004

Image number 120404opfus34

Ophrys fusca is VERY variable, it has been split into many 'species', some of these differ only in the size of the labellum. The photograph on the left shows an attractive form, some can be more or less brown all over, and not so appealing. The height of this orchid varies from 4 to 15 inches (10 - 35 cm). Pierre Delforge lists the labellum as being 15 - 22 mm long and 11 - 17 mm wide. It is widely distributed in the Mediterranean area.

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