Trans-Caspian Ophrys

Family Orchidaceae. Known from several localities of the Western Kopet Dag (Turkmenistan), and also occurs in Iran. Grows on grassy slopes, in shaded gorges, among shrubs.

Plant 24–45 cm tall with almost globose tubers. In the lower part of the stem 4–5 oblong-lanceolate leaves 5–6 cm long and 1.5–2 cm wide. Inflorescence sparse, of 2–8 flowers. Bracts lanceolate, yellowish-green, slightly exceeding the ovary. Flowers of medium size, up to 3 cm in diameter. Outer perianth segments (tepals) oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, yellowish-green, 10–15 mm long, 4 mm wide; the lateral ones slightly asymmetric. Inner whorl segments narrowly linear, somewhat obtuse, margins minutely ciliate, brownish, half as long as the outer ones. Labellum 11–14 mm long, directed downward, broadly obovate in outline, at the base with two small tubercles. Above the middle the labellum is divided into three lobes: the lateral lobes small, obtuse, long-hairy; the median lobe almost rounded. The shape of the labellum varies greatly; it is dark crimson, with yellowish veins and a bluish-gray pattern in the form of the letter H, the margin of the median lobe involute and brownish in color. Column 7 mm long, rostellum inconspicuous, stigma concave. Pollinia with stalks and viscidia, hidden in two separate pockets; ovary slightly twisted. Flowers and fruits in April–May.

Reproduces by seed. Because of its extremely small population the species is listed in the Red Data Books; all its localities are subject to protection.