About Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich.
Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich. is a non-green orchid species that grows up to 40 cm (16 in) tall, with each shoot able to bear up to 60 flowers. It gets all of its nutrition from a mycorrhizal fungus that grows in soil or leaf litter, and this fungus in turn gets its nutrition from tree roots. Most plants are beige-brown, though yellowish or white variants are sometimes found. The lower end of the flower's labellum splits and spreads widely apart. Because its color camouflages it against leaf litter, this orchid can be difficult to spot. Across Europe, it flowers from May to June. It is widespread across most of Europe, and also occurs in Algeria, Tunisia, western Siberia, the Caucasus, Iran, and Turkey. In the British Isles, Neottia nidus-avis grows in shady woodland, particularly beech woodland, on basic soils, and its conservation status in the UK is near-threatened. This species only grows successfully in association with mycorrhizal fungi from the genus Sebacina; in the UK, it associates particularly with Sebacina dimitica. It is pollinated by Diptera, and possibly also by ants. If insects do not pollinate the plants, self-pollination may occur.
