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 open garrigue and abandoned terraces where it can be found 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 lip shape, appearing scolopaxoid, tri-lobed or fuciflorid whereas O. ethemeae is invariably quadrangular with small basal swellings unlike the relatively long outwardly pointing horns that are a distinctive characteristic of O. samiotissa. Distinguishing the latter from O. tili is however very much more difficult, especially where it appears in a fuciflorid or trapezoid form and we have yet to see a reliable description that satisfactorily separates them. The two species have different pollinators but this is clearly not an easily identified differentiator.
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, particularly at the distal end. 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 open garrigue and abandoned terraces where it can be found 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 lip shape, appearing scolopaxoid, tri-lobed or fuciflorid whereas O. ethemeae is invariably quadrangular with small basal swellings unlike the relatively long outwardly pointing horns that are a distinctive characteristic of O. samiotissa. Distinguishing the latter from O. tili is however very much more difficult, especially where it appears in a fuciflorid or trapezoid form and we have yet to see a reliable description that satisfactorily separates them. The two species have different pollinators but this is clearly not an easily identified differentiator.
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, particularly at the distal end. The pictures date from the end of April.
