O'PHRYS APIF'ERA. 
BEE-BEARING OPHRYS, 
Class. Order. 
GYNANDRIA. MONANDRIA. 
Natural Order. 
ORCHIDACEiE. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration 
Inhabits 
England. 
9 inehes. 
June, July. 
Perennial. 
Chlky.pstures. 
No. 918. 
Ophrys, a Greek word, signifying the eye-brow, 
or eye-lash, it is said by Pliny, was adopted as a 
botanical name on account of the plant which 
received it having been used to blacken the eye- 
brows. Others say, and with more probability, 
that the name was chosen from the resemblance of 
the fringe of the inner sepals being like an eye- 
lash. Apifera from apis, a bee; an allusion which 
will be at once applied by an inspection of the 
annexed engraving. 
This plant, usually known as the Bee Orchis, has 
always been an object of admiration, as one of our 
native plants. Its spontaneous distribution seems 
to be wholly dependent on geological circumstances. 
In districts where chalk or limestone prevail, it is 
not uncommon ; but is scarcely ever met with else- 
where. 
It is best kept in a pot, in peat and loam, mixed 
with a good portion of coarse sand ; should have a 
shady situation, never be kept over moist, and 
have protection from frost in April and May. After 
flowering, keep it nearly dry, till the following 
spring ; then re-pot and water it more freely. 
