This taxon was first recognized and formally described as a variety of O. ferrum-equinum by Paulus from Rhodes in 2014. Its name refers to its similarity in lip shape to O. gottfriediana, both of which are members of the O. mammosa group of Ophrys.
O. ferrum-equinum is a widespread species in the eastern Mediterranean and one which can occur in large numbers in its favoured areas. It can tolerate a varied range of habitats, a factor which together with its abundance make it unsurprising that several varieties have been now been recognized. Some of these have periodically been considered as subspecies or even full species in their own right but varietal status seems most appropriate as they very frequently appear amongst colonies of the nominate race and all sharing the same pollinator.
O. ferrum-equinum var. pseudogottfriediana is no exception and also occurs amongst colonies of the nominate race but it differs in being largely found as a solitary plant that demonstrates little apparent genetic interaction with the surrounding type species. It is a very uncommon variant that as far as is currently known, seems to be restricted to the Aegean islands, mainly Rhodes, Samos and Santorini, although it is also known from Zakynthos and possibly occurs on other of the Ionian islands.
The important distinguishing feature is the lip which is vaguely or distinctly three lobed with strongly recurved margins and an overall pyramidal form. The recurved margins do not flare as is the case with O.ferrum-equinum var. labiosa. The photos come from Samos and date from the first week of April.
O. ferrum-equinum is a widespread species in the eastern Mediterranean and one which can occur in large numbers in its favoured areas. It can tolerate a varied range of habitats, a factor which together with its abundance make it unsurprising that several varieties have been now been recognized. Some of these have periodically been considered as subspecies or even full species in their own right but varietal status seems most appropriate as they very frequently appear amongst colonies of the nominate race and all sharing the same pollinator.
O. ferrum-equinum var. pseudogottfriediana is no exception and also occurs amongst colonies of the nominate race but it differs in being largely found as a solitary plant that demonstrates little apparent genetic interaction with the surrounding type species. It is a very uncommon variant that as far as is currently known, seems to be restricted to the Aegean islands, mainly Rhodes, Samos and Santorini, although it is also known from Zakynthos and possibly occurs on other of the Ionian islands.
The important distinguishing feature is the lip which is vaguely or distinctly three lobed with strongly recurved margins and an overall pyramidal form. The recurved margins do not flare as is the case with O.ferrum-equinum var. labiosa. The photos come from Samos and date from the first week of April.
