Also known as the bird flower, Ophrys scolopax stands out as one of the most beloved wild orchids of the Natural Park of Aire and Candeeiros Mountains !
These orchids display a pale rose colouring in the sepals, as well as lance-shaped petals in lighter tones without visible hair. Ophrys beirana was first described in 2020. Its petals are shorter and wider; the dark brown lip has more shades and the petals have a darker rose/violet colour. Both of them have thick stems and they can reach 35 cm with 6 to 8 flowers.
This is one of the most easily detectable Ophrys orchids that can be spotted on the limestone meadows of the park, in open spaces with scarce vegetation.
Photo credits: Luís Afonso