Neottia nidus-avis

Quick Characteristics:

Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich. is a widespread species across Europe and Russia. Both the Latin and the English name birds nest orchid refer to the tangled root system similar to a birds nest. Being completely without chlorophyll, the plant lives as a parasite on surrounding trees using fungi as connection. This allows them to grow in very dark forest areas. The sweetly scented flowers appear densely packed on 20-50 cm high spikes in May. They are pollinated by flies.