Bird's-Nest Orchid is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in shaded beech woodland on alkaline soil, to a mature height of up to 40cm.
Bird's-Nest Orchid is a browny-beige woodland orchid that takes its name from its complex network of roots. Completely lacking chlorophyll, it looks dead at first sight. Instead of photosynthesising its own food, Bird's-Nest Orchid relies on mycorrhizal fungus in the soil to access nutrients from tree roots, usually belonging to Beech trees. The presence of established Bird's-Nest Orchid can be an indicator of ancient woodland.
Botanic classification and naming: Bird's-Nest Orchid is a member of the Orchid (Orchidaceae) family. The genus name
'Neottia' identifies the plant as a Orchid with a 'nest-like' root system and its species name 'nidus-avis' means 'bird's nest plant'.
Concerns: Orchids, like wild flowers in general, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) from being removed from the wild. Rare orchids such as the Early Spider Orchid, Monkey Orchid and Lady's Slipper Orchid are additionally protected from picking and damage. Bird's-Nest Orchid is widespread across the UK but near-threatened and in decline.
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