A Dance of Thirteen Flowering Ophrys apifera

During a recent exploration around Sils, in the heart of the La Selva region, we ventured into a small corner where nature treated us to a spectacle of surprising delicacy. There, amidst the grass, we had the joy of encountering a collection of Ophrys apifera, the fascinating Bee Orchid.

We counted a total of 13 specimens, all of them in an absolutely splendid state of flowering. Each bloom, with its characteristic velvety labellum and its unmistakable resemblance to a bee, seemed to compete in beauty with its neighbours. The robustness and vibrant colour of these plants indicated optimal environmental conditions, likely favored by recent moisture. Finding so many specimens together is always a reminder of the botanical richness hidden in our land, and a true feast for the senses!