O. grandiflora is an appropriately named member of the nine strong O. tenthedinifera group which was
first formally described from Sicily as far back as 1819.
It can be found quite commonly in Sicily and less frequently on the Italian mainland in southern Calabria.
In both regions it thrives in full sun to mid shade on alkaline soils, though it shows a willingness to
extend into rather more acid substrates and consequently may be found as the single orchid species
growing in some intermediate area's.
Naming this Orchis didnt require a great leap of imagination for its flowers really can be impressively
proportioned. In Sicily identification is relatively straightforward but we are not sure whether on
the mainland if there is any significant contact zone with O. neglecta. Even on the assumption that there
is, the latter is easily distinguished by its smaller size, green bracts and overall less yellow lip. This
species is not particularly variable.
Even by Ophrys standards O. grandiflora is an enthusiastic hybridizer and in Sicily the offspring can
be commonly encountered. The final photograph on this page illustrates the result of a coming together
with O. Biancae.
The photograph's are all from Sicily where it can be found in most suitable habitats around the island.
It has a fairly long flowering period and can be found as early as February and through into May. These
date from the first two weeks of April.
