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Description
Neottia Ovata, commonly known as the Common Twayblade, is a small, leafless orchid that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in damp and shady woods, meadows, and marshes, especially in calcareous soil. This orchid is known for its two opposite leaves that grow from the base of the stem and its spike of small greenish-yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are pollinated by insects, especially flies, which are attracted to their foul odor. Neottia Ovata is a perennial herb that can grow up to 40 cm tall and can produce up to 25 flowers per spike.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Neottia |
| Species | Neottia Ovata |
Appearance
Neottia Ovata is a small, herbaceous orchid that lacks leaves and has a single stem that can grow up to 40 cm tall. The stem is green with a reddish base and bears a spike of small greenish-yellow flowers that are about 5-8 mm wide. The flowers are arranged in a dense raceme and have a strong, unpleasant odor that attracts flies, which are their main pollinators. The two basal leaves of Neottia Ovata are oval-shaped, dark green, and opposite each other. They grow up to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide and are covered with fine hairs.
Care Guide
Neottia Ovata is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you care for your Common Twayblade:Water: Neottia Ovata prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season.Fertilization: This orchid does not need fertilizer and can thrive in nutrient-poor soil.Soil: Neottia Ovata prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic.Sunlight: This orchid prefers partial to full shade and should be protected from direct sunlight.Hardiness Zones: Neottia Ovata is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Neottia Ovata is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases, such as root rot and powdery mildew, if the soil is too moist or the plant is exposed to high humidity. Insects, such as aphids and spider mites, can also infest Neottia Ovata, but they are not a common problem.
Habitat
Neottia Ovata is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in damp and shady woods, meadows, and marshes, especially in calcareous soil. It prefers cool and moist conditions and can grow at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters. In the wild, Neottia Ovata is often found growing in association with other plants, such as ferns and mosses.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Neottia Ovata a rare plant?
A: Neottia Ovata is not considered a rare plant, but it is protected in some countries due to its declining populations.Q: Can Neottia Ovata be grown indoors?
A: Neottia Ovata can be grown indoors, but it requires cool and moist conditions, which can be difficult to maintain in a typical indoor environment.Q: How does Neottia Ovata reproduce?
A: Neottia Ovata reproduces through seed, which is dispersed by the wind.Q: Can Neottia Ovata be used in herbal medicine?
A: Neottia Ovata is not commonly used in herbal medicine, but it has been used in the past to treat headaches, epilepsy, and other ailments.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Neottia Ovata:- Neottia Nidus-avis- Cephalanthera Rubra- Epipactis Palustris- Dactylorhiza Maculata
References
– “Neottia Ovata.” Flora of North America. Retrieved from https://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101681.- “Neottia Ovata.” Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/23857/Neottia-ovata/Details. – “Neottia Ovata.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c410.
