Neottia nidus-avis (bird's nest orchid), Buckinghamshire
Photographed in May in beech forest. The plant has no chlorophyll, gaining its nutrients not from photosynthesis but by attaching its roots to a mycorrhizal fungus below the leaf litter. The fungus in turn obtains its sustenance from the tree roots. Being the colour of dead leaves, the bird's nest orchid is often difficult to spot among the fallen foliage. The vernacular name comes from the unusual nest-like structure of the roots. From a slide.
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All images are the property of the photographer and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded, transmitted or used in any way without the written permission of the photographer, who can be contacted by registering with flickr and using flickrmail
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Neottia nidus-avis (bird's nest orchid), Buckinghamshire
Photographed in May in beech forest. The plant has no chlorophyll, gaining its nutrients not from photosynthesis but by attaching its roots to a mycorrhizal fungus below the leaf litter. The fungus in turn obtains its sustenance from the tree roots. Being the colour of dead leaves, the bird's nest orchid is often difficult to spot among the fallen foliage. The vernacular name comes from the unusual nest-like structure of the roots. From a slide.
211118 002
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All images are the property of the photographer and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded, transmitted or used in any way without the written permission of the photographer, who can be contacted by registering with flickr and using flickrmail
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