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Glite Dictionary
Ophrys apifera

Ophrys apifera

9.9
A European flower that looks like a bumblebee to attract insects
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Ophrys apifera
  • The Ophrys apifera attracts pollinators by mimicking the appearance of a bumble bee.

Examples

  • In some regions, Ophrys apifera can be found growing wild in meadows and grassy slopes.

  • The Ophrys apifera blooms in late spring.

  • Botanists admire the unique evolutionary adaptation of Ophrys apifera's flower shape and coloration.

  • Have you ever seen an Ophrys apifera in the wild?

  • The Ophrys apifera is often characterized by its flowers that look strikingly like bumble bees.

  • During a nature walk, we spotted an Ophrys apifera among the wildflowers in the meadow.

  • Many gardeners choose to plant Ophrys apifera for its unique bumble bee-like flowers.

Synonyms

bee orchid
vsOphrys apifera
  • UK
9.9

A European wild flower whose bloom looks like a bumblebee

is the scientific name for the same European orchid

Surface Forms

Ophrys apifera singular
Ophrys apiferas plural

Morphology

Ophrys + apifera

This is a Latin scientific name made of a genus (Ophrys) and a species epithet (apifera); neither element is a common English lexical item a B1 learner would know, and 'apifera' is not transparently interpretable without knowledge of Latin morphemes (api- = bee, -fera = bearing). Recognizing it as ‘bee orchid’ therefore requires specialist botanical or Latin knowledge beyond a typical B1 learner, so the meaning is not derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Ophrys apifera gets its name from old Greek and Latin words: Ophrys points to the flower's curved, brow-like lip and apifera means 'bee-bearing'. The name paints a clear picture — the flower looks like a 'bee', and that is why it attracts real bees.