Family: Orchidaceae
Author: (Sw.) Rich.
Bibliography: De Orchid. Eur.: 37 (1817)
Year: 1817
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Neottia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Komandor Is. to Canada and W. & NE. U.S.A.
Description
The Broad-lip twayblade, scientifically known as Neottia convallarioides, is a captivating member of the Orchidaceae family. With a history first chronicled in “De Orchid. Eur.” in 1817 by the botanical authority (Sw.) Rich., this unique orchid has garnered interest for both its delicate appearance and its wide geographical distribution.
This remarkable orchid species is noted for its distinctive broad, lip-shaped flowers which have earned it the common name Broad-lip twayblade. It thrives across a varied range of habitats, stretching from the Komandor Islands to across much of Canada, and extending into the western and northeastern regions of the United States. This widespread presence in diverse climates attests to its adaptable nature.
Neottia convallarioides typically flourishes in moist, shaded forest floors, often preferring areas with rich, organic soil that retains plenty of moisture. Its preference for cool, shaded environments makes it a common sight beneath dense canopy cover where sunlight is filtered through the leaves above.
The Broad-lip twayblade’s physical characteristics include a pair of broad, flat leaves from which its name is derived. These basal leaves often lie close to the ground, providing a foundation for the slender stalk that rises to bear a raceme of small, greenish flowers. Despite their subtle coloration, the flowers are intricately structured and can be quite astonishing upon close inspection. The broad lip of the flower, which is often slightly fringed, plays a key role in attracting and guiding pollinators.
Pollination itself is a fascinating process. The Broad-lip twayblade relies on its unique floral structure to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Insects, attracted by the shape and the faint scent of the flowers, inadvertently carry pollen from one bloom to another, ensuring genetic diversity and the successful reproduction of the species.
Though not commonly a highlight of botanical collections due to its muted palette, Neottia convallarioides holds significant ecological value. Its presence is a good indicator of healthy, undisturbed forest ecosystems, contributing to the intricate web of plant and animal interactions that sustain these environments.
For those lucky enough to encounter the Broad-lip twayblade in its natural habitat, it offers a glimpse into the subtleties of forest life and the complex beauty of orchid species. As with many wildflowers, appreciating its role in the ecosystem and respecting its natural habitat are essential to conserving its presence for future generations.
Overall, Neottia convallarioides embodies the intricate beauty and ecological significance typical of the Orchidaceae family, making it a species well worth recognition and preservation.
Common Names
Eng: broadleaf twayblade, broadlipped listera, broadlipped twayblade, broad-lip twayblade, broad-lipped twayblade, broad-leaved twayblade
Fra: listère faux-muguet
En: Broad-Lip Twayblade, BROADLIPPED LISTERA, Broadleaf twayblade, Broadlip twayblade, Broadlipped twayblade, Broad-lipped Twayblade, Broad-leaved twayblade
Fr: Listère faux-muguet
Synonyms
- Listera eschscholziana (Cham. & Schltdl.)
- Listera convallarioides subsp. euconvallarioides (Beauverd)
- Neottia convallarioides f. trifolia ((P.M.Br.) P.M.Br.)
- Listera convallarioides f. trifolia (P.M.Br.)
- Neottia eschscholziana ((Cham. & Schltdl.) Steud.)
- Diphryllum eschscholtzianum ((Cham. & Schltdl.) Kuntze)
- Epipactis convallarioides (Sw.)
- Diphryllum convallarioides ((Sw.) Kuntze)
- Bifolium convallarioides ((Sw.) Nieuwl.)
- Serapias convallarioides ((Sw.) Steud.)
- Listera convallarioides ((Sw.) Nutt.)
- Ophrys convallarioides ((Sw.) W.Wight ex House)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Aleutian Is. (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Maine (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Aug 16, 2005 by EOL − J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jun 19, 2013 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2012 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Jul 6, 2015 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2816287)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:645305-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Neottia convallarioides (Sw.) Rich.)
