Listera

Listera is a genus of orchids in the family Orchidaceae. This genus is commonly known as the twayblades due to the characteristic pair of broad leaves found on each plant. The genus is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, including regions in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Description

Listera species are typically small, terrestrial orchids. They possess a pair of broad, opposite leaves situated midway up the stem. The flowers are small and greenish, often arranged in a loose spike. The labellum (lip) of the flower is usually divided into two lobes, which is a distinctive feature of this genus.

Habitat

Listera orchids are commonly found in moist, shaded environments such as woodlands, meadows, and bogs. They prefer calcareous soils and are often associated with deciduous forests.

Species

The genus Listera includes several species, some of which are:

• Listera cordata - Heart-leaved twayblade
• Listera ovata - Common twayblade
• Listera australis - Southern twayblade

Taxonomy

Listera is part of the tribe Neottieae within the subfamily Epidendroideae. The genus was named in honor of the English botanist Martin Lister.

Conservation

Many Listera species are considered rare and are subject to conservation efforts. Habitat destruction and changes in land use are significant threats to their populations. Conservation strategies include habitat protection and management, as well as ex situ conservation methods such as seed banking and micropropagation.

Related Pages

• Orchidaceae
• Neottieae
• Epidendroideae
• Martin Lister
• Terrestrial orchids