Bird's-nest Orchid

Fri 20th Jun, 2014

A highlight of early summer for the Yorkshire Coast Nature team was tracking down the strange Bird’s-nest Orchid. The flower looks nothing like a bird’s nest, but the roots – thick, tangled and protruding in all directions - could be said to resemble the type of untidy nest built by a Woodpigeon or Carrion Crow. Scarce and very local in northern England, the orchid is classified as ‘Near Threatened’ nationally. It flowers in dark, shady places, generally mature broadleaved or mixed woodlands, between May and July.

All orchids are to some extent dependent on fungi. Orchid seedlings may spend many months underground, during which time fungi provide them with nutrients. But the Bird’s-nest Orchid is dependent throughout its life-cycle. The yellowish-brown flower contains very little chlorophyll and is therefore unable to produce its own energy from sunlight. Instead it is parasitic on a specific fungus within its roots, which in turn has a symbiotic relationship with Beech, and sometimes other trees.

The Bird’s-nest Orchid is pollinated by insects which are attracted by its strong, sweet smell. Like other orchids, it produces seeds so tiny they are sometimes called Dust Seeds.

Gaynor Chapman