Neottia
(from neottia, a bird's nest; referring to the interlacing of the numerous roots). Lady's Tresses. SYN. Neottidium. ORD. Orchideae. A small genus of hardy terrestrial Orchids, closely allied to Listera, but having a longer column, and generally a cucullate anther-bed. The three species known are leafless, brown-stemmed plants, with sheathing scales, natives of Europe and the Northern and mountainous regions of Asia. They are of little horticultural value. The undermentioned species is found generally in dark woods in many parts of England, Ireland, and Southern and Central Scotland. N. Nidus-avis (bird's-nest). fl., sepals broadly ovate, almost acute; petals more rounded; lip twice as long, deeply bilobed at the extremity; spike dense, 3in. to 4in. long. Spring and early summer. Stem 1ft. or more high, and, as well as the sheathing scales which replace the leaves, light brown. Roots a mass of succulent, stout, interlaced fibres. (Sy. En. B. 1478.)