O. garganica was first described from the Italian province of Foggia in 1975 and the name refers
(somewhat unsurprisingly !) to the the Gargano region where it was initially studied. This showy Ophrys should more correctly be termed as O. passionis v garganica, a species with which it shares both a more
than passing resemblance and a considerable overlap of range.
Despite its name, O. garganica is not confined to Mount Gargano and may be found in many parts of both
the Italian peninsular from Tuscany southwards and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia - it is however at
its most numerous in Gargano and Sicily.
As may be seen from the illustrations, it is a variable little orchid, particularly in the shape of its labellum
which may be either entire or three lobed and in some cases possess distinct basal swellings. The more
consistent features of the species are the large (often dark brown) sepals, the usually maroon coloured
lip and the ( always ) green sepals. In O. passionis the sepals can also be green but the petals are smaller
and it more commonly has basal swellings. Nonetheless the two species do grow side by side and they
share the same pollinator so it seems inconcievable that genetically mixed plants dont occur. Photograph's
10 and 11 depict plants that may well be so influenced.
O. garganica will grow in most suitable, calcareous habitats up to an altitude of 1100m but is also tolerant
of light woodland where the floor is free of competitors. The pictures here come from Mount Gargano and
Sicily and date from early April in the latter and late April in the former location.
