Neottia ovata - Common Twayblade

Although common and widespread throughout Northern Europe this orchid can be difficult to spot growing, as it often does, amongst long grasses and other similarly green plants.

The name twayblade refers to the pair of oval leaves (two blades) near the base of the plant. The flower spike, sometimes up to 75 cm tall, can have as many as 100 separate flowers.

The specimen above was photographed in Hampshire in June.

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