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Heartleaf Twayblade (Neottia cordata)

Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata, formerly Listera cordata) is a diminutive orchid which typically reaches heights of four to six inches. Though the individual flowers are only about 5mm wide by 7mm tall, they prove to be incredibly intricate and beautiful upon close inspection. The flowers and stems range from entirely green to mostly red, but the two namesake leaves near the base are always green. These wildflowers emit a similar (albeit less intense) odor to California fetid adderstongue (Scoliopus bigelovii). In both cases, the scent attracts fungus gnats, which aid in pollination. Additional common names include heart-leaved twayblade and lesser twayblade.


Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata), extreme close-up of one of the orchid's tiny flowers in bloom. Focus-stacked composite of 50 exposures at 3x lifesize. Humboldt County, California, USA.
PLA0684


Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata), individual wildflower close-up. Focus-stacked composite of 68 exposures at 3x lifesize. Humboldt County, California, USA.
PLA0667


Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata). Focus-stacked composite of 84 exposures at 3x lifesize. Humboldt County, California, USA.
PLA0663


Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata). Focus-stacked composite of 121 exposures at 3x lifesize. Humboldt County, California, USA.
PLA0664


Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata). Note the mossy Sitka spruce cone, from which a small Mycena mushroom has emerged. Focus-stacked composite of 64 exposures. Humboldt County, California, USA.
PLA0683


Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata), documentary view of the entire orchid growing near a Sitka spruce cone. Focus-stacked composite of 56 exposures under natural light. Humboldt County, California, USA.
PLA0665


Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata), flowers of an entirely green plant. Focus-stacked composite of 28 exposures. Humboldt County, California, USA.
PLA0668


Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata), wide-angle macro showing the plant in relation to its environment. Humboldt County, California, USA.
PLA0686


Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata), morph with exceptionally red flowers and stem. Focus-stacked composite of 55 exposures under natural light. Humboldt County, California, USA.
PLA0669


Heartleaf twayblade (Neottia cordata) shown with an adult finger for scale. Humboldt County, California, USA.
PLA0685

Next Plant: Mountain lady's slipper (Cypripedium montanum)



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All images copyright Timothy Boomer. All rights reserved worldwide.