Ophrys
/ˈɒfrɪs/Botany
noun
Originally: a Linnaean genus of spurless orchids that comprised a variety of species that are now mostly placed in other genera, as the twayblades (Listera) and lady's tresses (Spiranthes). Later: specifically a genus comprising numerous, chiefly Mediterranean, orchids that typically have insect-like flowers with a thick, velvety, strikingly marked labellum; (also ophrys) an orchid of this genus.
- The bee orchid, Ophrys apifera, and the fly orchid, O. insectifera, are among the many orchids of this genus with flowers that mimic particular bees or wasps in both appearance and scent. Ophrys species are often pollinated by the male insect, which is deceived into attempting to copulate with the flower (pseudocopulation). The members of the genus are sometimes referred to collectively as the ‘bee orchids’ or ‘insect orchids’..
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in New & Complete Dictionary Arts & Science. From scientific Latin Ophrys, genus name (Linnaeus Species Plantarum II. 948, after earlier use by Linnaeus in Genera Plantarum) from classical Latin ophrȳs a bifoliate plant of uncertain identity, sometimes identified as the twayblade from ancient Greek ὀϕρύς eyebrow, ultimately from the same Indo-European base as brow.