Neottia nidus-avis - Bird's-nest Orchid
Invariably concealed among the leaf litter in dark
woodland, the Bird's-nest Orchid is so called because its
tangle of short roots resembles a badly made bird's nest.
Lacking cholorophyll, this orchid is entirely
dependent on another plant or 'host' for its nutrients.
The flower spike can often have up to 100 densely-packed
flowers which, like the rest of the plant, are golden
brown turning darker with age. This plant is widely
distributed throughout Europe, North Africa and the Near
East.
The specimen above was photographed under lime trees in west Wales in early May.
Wild Orchids in Wales
Dozens of wild orchid are featured in the First Nature Guide to
Locating and Identifying Wild Orchids in Wales
Wild Orchids in The Burren
Ireland's world-famous limestone pavement habitat
in County Clare is home to nearly every wild orchid found in Ireland.
A full colour guide to the Burren's orchids is now available
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