johsie's Identifications

Vogel-Nestwurz (Neottia nidus-avis)

Bird's-nest Orchid (Neottia nidus-avis)

Just like all orchids this plant lives in a mycorrhizal relationship with a fungus. But unlike other orchids it stays an holoparasitic plant unable to photosynthesize nutrients by itself. The roots are even unable to retrieve water and minerals from the soil. Instead it derives sustenance and nutrients from the mycelium. The fungus itself lives in an ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with other trees: the plants provides fixed carbon to the fungus and in return, the fungus provides mineral nutrients, water and protection from pathogens to the plant. The orchid takes advantage of this symbiotic relation between fungus and tree by tapping into the network and stealing water, minerals and sugars from the photosynthetic partner by way of the fungus.