Biology

Bee orchid is the common name of this short-lived perennial plant that occurs mostly in  the pastures, field boarders, banks on chalk or limestone, recently disturbed soils and calcareous- and base-rich portions of the Central and Southern Europe, particularly in Britain, and in North Africa. In terms of its taxonomical features, Bee orchid belongs to the Family Orchidaceae, Genus Ophrys, and with the specific epithet of apifera, hence, the scientific name of Ophrys apifera. The common name of the plant is derived from its distinct morphological feature of having a flower that resembles a female insect and that this flower also has the capability to emit female-like insect pheromones in order to attract and disturb the pollinators.

Figure 1 shows that picture of the flower of the bee orchid and its general morphological features. In congruence to the common features of the members of this phylum, Bee Orchid also has roots, stems, leaves and flowers which all help the plant in coping with the changes and demands of its environment. The role of the flower of the Bee orchid is already reflected in its role in cross-pollination but to further elucidate the role of the other anatomical structures, it will be necessary to discuss the physical and characteristics for propagation of this plant species.

Fig. 1. The morphological features Ophyrys apifera with emphasis on the insect-like flower
The Bee Orchid thrives in areas of light shade, with a pH of 6.1 to 7.8 (mildly acidic to mildly alkaline), dry to moist soils, and those soil structures with sandy, loamy to clay features. With respect to plant cultivation, it can be propagated asexually via transplanting, and through the usage of tubers, rhizomes, corms or bulbs. In terms of sexual reproduction, the usage of seeds and self-fertilization, the ability of a plant to fertilize itself provided that the male and female reproductive organs are present, methods can allow this mode of reproduction. The role of the anatomical structures, specifically roots, stems and leaves, are well-emphasized in the asexual mode of reproduction of Bee Orchid because of the fact that they are actually the specific plant parts which are directly used for propagation. In general, it can be said that the role of the anatomical features are evidently seen in terms of reproduction and in the sustenance and support of the pant to thrive in areas of diverse physical properties.