I found in my woods two types of orchids. One is unique, and the other one rare.
The unique one is the Bird's Nest Orchid (Neottia nidus-avis). This plant, unlike other plants, does not photosynthesize, ie does not convert light energy from the sun into the source of energy for itself. Instead, it derives nutrition from exchanges with the mycelium of certain mushroom species.
The rare orchid is the Helleborine (Cephalanthera sp.). However because I came across this plant only shortly after it sprouted out of the ground, and as such is not fully developed, it’s difficult to reliably determine which species it really is. I will wait until it develops and blooms to get proper identification, however so far it looks like either the White Helleborine (Cephalanthera damasonium), or the Narrow-Leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia). I intend to follow up on this video once the plant matures and takes its distinguishable shape.
I hope the video was helpful and educational for you, but please bear in mind that I’m not an expert and may be wrong about anything I say. Always do your own research and if you need an expert advice, do consult an actual expert. Please review my disclaimers at https://www.nophoneman.com/medical-disclaimer/ and https://www.nophoneman.com/wild-edibles-disclaimer/.
00:00 Disclaimer
00:11 Unique plant in the woods
00:32 Camera focusing issues
00:55 Plant which doesn’t photosynthesize
01:23 Bird’s Nest Orchid flower closeup
01:33 How Bird’s Eye Orchid gets nutrition
01:50 Why it’s called Bird’s Nest Orchid
02:27 Rare orchid
02:38 White or Narrow-Leaved Helleborine
03:28 How to remember where I found the Helleborine
03:53 Bird’s Nest Orchid in full bloom
04:05 Pollen covered Orchid
Keep rocking :o)
Mark
https://www.nophoneman.com/
▶️ 3Speak