BEE ORCHIS 



in 



The rostellum contains two pouches, and has a sticky disk, being 

 placed much as in Orchis. The pollen-stalks are long, thin, and 

 flexible, and the pollen-masses are at a variable distance apart. The 

 pollen-grains vary in shape. The anther cells open directly or soon 



Photo. Flatters & Garnett 



BEE ORCHIS (Ophrys apifera^ Huds.) 



after the flower opens. The pollinia are pear-shaped, and after they 

 are set free, if not removed by insects, hang by the caudicles above the 

 stigma, and are very readily brought into contact with the stigmatic 

 surface. 



It is probable that the apparent mimicry, so-called, of the flower, 

 by which it may induce bees to visit it, is for securing occasional cross- 



