Ophrys sphegodes, commonly known as the early spider-orchid, is a species of sexually-deceptive orchid native to Europe and the Middle East. It is a very varied species with many subspecies recognised.
Ophrys sphegodes
Image: Ophrys sphegodes, Dover 1
Image: Image Ophrys sphegodes, Dover 2
Image: Ophrys sphegodes, Folkestone 1
Samphire Hoe is a country park situated 2 miles (3 km) west of Dover in Kent in southeast England. The park was created by using 4.9 million cubic metres of chalk marl from the Channel Tunnel excavations and is found at the bottom of a section of the White Cliffs of Dover. The site is owned by Getlink, and managed by the White Cliffs Countryside Project.
Samphire Hoe, at the base of the cliffs
Samphire Hoe. In the background are the tall twin portals to the Shakespeare Tunnel, in the middle is the road access tunnel to the Hoe, from the A20 above the cliff, and on the right is one of the Channel Tunnel equipment sheds.
Samphire Hoe beneath the White Cliffs of Dover looking towards Folkestone.