O. samiotissa
was first described from Samos by Hirth and Paulus in 2011 and is a member of the O. heldreichii group
of Ophrys. It is endemic to the island of Samos and its name translates loosely to "daughter of Samos".
This Ophrys prefers calcareous and neutral habitats, from arid stony conditions in full sun to shady pine woodland though it is probably most at home in shrubby garrigue and tracts of cistus where it occurs individually or in loose groups. It is widespread but uncommon across the island, flowering from early April until early May at which time its appearance coincides with that of both O. ethemeae and O. tili.
O. samiotissa can vary hugely in all its features and particularly in lip shape and basal swelling development. It is therefore capable of mimicking several of its fellow Ophrys and creating significant challenges with identification. It can appear strongly scolopaxoid, tri-lobed or fuciflorid with protuberences that range from insignificant to well developed, though always outwardly pointing. Distinguishing it from the equally variable O. tili is difficult, especially where it appears in fuciflorid or trapezoid form and the authors have yet to see a description that satisfactorily separates them. The two species have separate pollinators but this is clearly not easily distinguished in the field, except with expert knowledge.
It can be a tall plant, growing to around 50cms and carrying up to ten flowers, widely spaced up the stem. Colouration ranges from light to dark brown with a specular pattern that may be either simple or complex. The lip is ringed by a complete band of light coloured marginal hair, though this is often attenuated in the distal area. The pictures date from the end of April.
This Ophrys prefers calcareous and neutral habitats, from arid stony conditions in full sun to shady pine woodland though it is probably most at home in shrubby garrigue and tracts of cistus where it occurs individually or in loose groups. It is widespread but uncommon across the island, flowering from early April until early May at which time its appearance coincides with that of both O. ethemeae and O. tili.
O. samiotissa can vary hugely in all its features and particularly in lip shape and basal swelling development. It is therefore capable of mimicking several of its fellow Ophrys and creating significant challenges with identification. It can appear strongly scolopaxoid, tri-lobed or fuciflorid with protuberences that range from insignificant to well developed, though always outwardly pointing. Distinguishing it from the equally variable O. tili is difficult, especially where it appears in fuciflorid or trapezoid form and the authors have yet to see a description that satisfactorily separates them. The two species have separate pollinators but this is clearly not easily distinguished in the field, except with expert knowledge.
It can be a tall plant, growing to around 50cms and carrying up to ten flowers, widely spaced up the stem. Colouration ranges from light to dark brown with a specular pattern that may be either simple or complex. The lip is ringed by a complete band of light coloured marginal hair, though this is often attenuated in the distal area. The pictures date from the end of April.
