Orchids of the Eifel: Neottia nidus-avis

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Neottia nidus-avis - group of plants


Latin: Neottia nidus-avis
English: Bird's nest orchid
German: Vogel-Nestwurz
Bloom: End of May to June

Unfortunately past their best - last week would have been ideal.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
June 24, 2008

These orchids grow in shady beech wood on limestone but also in coniferous woods in calciferous soil. They do not produce any chlorophyl and live in symbiosis with their surroundings.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
June 24, 2008

The plants are leafless, brown or yellow-brown in colour. The flowers here are past their best and are turning brown at the edges.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
June 24, 2008

Bird's Nest Orchid  flower head 2009

In 2009 the flowering season was almost a month earlier than in 2008.

Photographed near Bad Munstereifel,
May 21, 2009

 

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May 23, 2009
©copyright Vicki Sherwood
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This page is http://orchids-eifel.sherwoodonline.de/neottia.html