Ophrys sphegodes subsp. taurica, with many synonyms, including Ophrys caucasica, is a subspecies of orchidnative from southeast Europe through the Caucasus to Iran. As Ophrys caucasica, it has been recorded in numerous areas throughout Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia.[2][3] Local names include Armenian: Սարդակիր Մեղվակիր, romanized: Sardakir mexvakir, Azerbaijani: xarı-bülbülKhari-bulbul and Georgian: ფუტკრის-დედა, romanized:put'k'ris-deda.
According to the IUCN Red List, the category and status of the species is "Endangered" – EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).[citation needed]
Description
During various stages of growth, the white petals of Ophrys sphegodes subsp. taurica turn into pink, where various colors (green, yellow, red, etc.) merge together. There are also patterns on the lip.[4]
In Armenian, its native name (sardakir mexvakir) refers to its primary pollinators, spiders (sard) and bees (mexu) and their food (kir).[citation needed]
Khara in Azerbaijani is a thick and shiny fabric with different patterns that changes its colors when look at from different angles. Because of these characteristics, the plant acquired its Azerbaijani name, which translates as 'khara nightingale'. The spelling of the word khara becomes khari by requirement of the law of harmony in Azerbaijani.[5]
Culture
2007 stamp of Azerbaijan depicting the flowerKhari Bulbul Music Festival logo in 1991
In 2014, an exhibition titled "Khari bulbul, a flower of peace and love" was organized by the Federal National Cultural Autonomy of Azerbaijanis in Russia.[6] In March 2014, a presentation ceremony involving Ophrys sphegodes subsp. taurica took place in the United States Botanic Garden Conservatory.[7]
