Loesel’s twayblade (Liparis loeselii, De Orchid. Eur.: 38 (1817))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (L.) Rich.

Bibliography: De Orchid. Eur.: 38 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Liparis

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to C. Asia, Sakhalin, C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Loesel’s twayblade, scientifically known as Liparis loeselii, is a captivating and unique member of the Orchidaceae family. First described in an authoritative botanical work in 1817, this orchid’s intriguing biology and geography make it a subject of considerable interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

The natural habitat of Loesel’s twayblade extends across a wide geographic range. Native populations are found throughout Europe, stretching to Central Asia and the island of Sakhalin. Moreover, its presence is noted across the Atlantic in Central and Eastern Canada, and down through the Eastern regions of the United States, reaching as far as North Carolina. Such a broad distribution indicates the plant’s adaptability to various climatic and environmental conditions.

Loesel’s twayblade is best recognized for its delicate and modest appearance. The plant typically thrives in wetland areas, including fens, bogs, and moist meadows. Its unique floral structure and growth habit set it apart from other orchid species, drawing the attention of those dedicated to the study and conservation of native flora.

In terms of morphology, Liparis loeselii features small, greenish-yellow flowers, which are often described as inconspicuous yet elegant. These flowers are borne on slender, erect stems that emerge from a pair of basal leaves, aligning with the common name “twayblade,” which references the plant’s two primary leaves. The overall form and structure of the plant contribute to its subtle beauty, making it a prized specimen for native plant gardens and conservation programs.

Conserving Loesel’s twayblade is important not only for maintaining biodiversity but also for sustaining the health of the wetland ecosystems it inhabits. Efforts to preserve its natural habitats are crucial, especially in regions where wetland areas face threats from development and climate change.

Overall, Loesel’s twayblade is a remarkable orchid that exemplifies the diverse adaptations and beauty of the Orchidaceae family. Its wide distribution and distinctive characteristics make it a valuable species for study and conservation, highlighting the importance of protecting our natural world for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Common Names

En: Loesel’s twayblade, Fen orchid, Yellow widelip orchid, Yellow Wide-Lip Orchid, Bog twayblade, Loesel’s Twayblade Orchid, Yellow twayblade
Be: Ласняк Лёзеля
Bg: Льозелов липарис, Lyozelov lipаris
Cs: Hlízovec Loeselův
Da: Mygblomst
Nl: Groenknolorchis
Et: Soohiilakas
Fi: Kiiltovalkku
Fr: Liparis de Loesel, Laparis de loesel, Liparide de Loesel, Liparis, Malaxis de Loesel
De: Glanzkraut, Sumpf-Glanzkraut, Loesels Glanzkraut, Glanzstendel, Zwiebelorchis
El: Λιπαρίδα του Loesel
Hu: Hagymaburok
It: Liparide, Ofride delle torbe
Lv: Lēzeļa lipare, Lezela lipare
Lt: Dvilapis purvuolis, Pelkinis purvuolis
No: Feittblad, Fettblad
Nb: Fettblad
Nn: Feittblad
Pl: Lipiennik Loesela
Ro: Mosisoare, Moşişoare
Ru: Лосняк Лёзеля, Липарис лезеля
Sk: Hľuzovec Loeselov
Sl: Loeselova grezovka
Sv: Gulyxne, Kiiltovalkku, Myggnyckelblomster, Myggnycklar
Uk: Жировик Лезеля, Жировик Ліозеліїв
Cy: Tegeirian y fign galchog, Gefell-Lys Dwy-Ddalenog, Gefell-Lys y Fignen, Tegeirian Tywodlyd, Tegeirian y Fign

Synonyms

• Leptorkis loeselii ((L.) MacMill.)
• Mesoptera loeselii ((L.) Raf.)
• Liparis bifolia (St.-Lag.)
• Orchis loeselii ((L.) MacMill.)
• Pseudorchis loeselii ((L.) Gray)
• Ophrys pulchella (Salisb.)
• Sturmia loeselii ((L.) Rchb.)
• Serapias loeselii ((L.) Hoffm.)
• Malaxis loeselii ((L.) Sw.)
• Cymbidium loeselii ((L.) Sw.)
• Ophrys loeselii (L.)
• Paliris loeselii ((L.) Dumort.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Jason lester (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2009 by EOL − Stanislav Vosolsobě (public)

Taken Apr 5, 2009 by EOL − Stanislav Vosolsobě (public)

Taken Jun 3, 2022 by Nico Enthoven (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2019 by Janos Molnar (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 26, 2015 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Haug, E. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Boef Jelle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Fruit

Taken Aug 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Nad Laurencin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Nad Laurencin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Nad Laurencin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Nad Laurencin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Nad Laurencin (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by JP Roos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2018 by Simon Crameri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Nad Laurencin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:641004-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Liparis loeselii (L.) Rich.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5323092)

Specifications

Growth