<P> Ophrys apifera grows to a height of 15 -- 50 centimetres ( 6 -- 20 in ) . This hardy orchid develops small rosettes of leaves in autumn . They continue to grow slowly during winter . Basal leaves are ovate or oblong - lanceolate , upper leaves and bracts are ovate - lanceolate and sheathing . The plant blooms from mid-April to July producing a spike composed from one to twelve flowers . The flowers have large sepals , with a central green rib and their colour varies from white to pink , while petals are short , pubescent , yellow to greenish . The labellum is trilobed , with two pronounced humps on the hairy lateral lobes , the median lobe is hairy and similar to the abdomen of a bee . It is quite variable in the pattern of coloration , but usually brownish - red with yellow markings . The gynostegium is at right angles , with an elongated apex . </P>
<P> Ophrys apifera grows to a height of 15 -- 50 centimetres ( 6 -- 20 in ) . This hardy orchid develops small rosettes of leaves in autumn . They continue to grow slowly during winter . Basal leaves are ovate or oblong - lanceolate , upper leaves and bracts are ovate - lanceolate and sheathing . The plant blooms from mid-April to July producing a spike composed from one to twelve flowers . The flowers have large sepals , with a central green rib and their colour varies from white to pink , while petals are short , pubescent , yellow to greenish . The labellum is trilobed , with two pronounced humps on the hairy lateral lobes , the median lobe is hairy and similar to the abdomen of a bee . It is quite variable in the pattern of coloration , but usually brownish - red with yellow markings . The gynostegium is at right angles , with an elongated apex . </P>
a flower that looks like a female bee
a flower that looks like a female bee
Ophrys apifera
Ophrys apifera