Photography And Half-Thoughts By Mitchell Hegman

...because some of it is pretty and some of it is not.

Monday, September 25, 2023

Naked Man Orchids

Not everyone appreciates seeing a naked man. In fact, you may count me in on that mix. But what if a pretty flower were comprised of a collection of naked men? Might that change your tune?

Turns out there is an orchid (always a strange family of flowers) called the “naked man orchid” that fits the bill here. Orchis italica is a species native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its flower's remarkable resemblance to a tiny naked man, with outstretched arms and legs. It thrives in rocky or grassy habitats, typically blooms in spring to early summer, and relies on solitary bees and wasps as its primary pollinators.

Apparently, solitary bees and wasps like a naked man. Go figure.

I have posted a short video featuring naked man orchids. You are welcome to thank me later.

Mitchell Hegman

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJfX0jUmo-w

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