Flolape

northwest twayblade

Neottia banksiana (Lindl.) Rchb.f.
northwest twayblade
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Neottia banksiana, commonly known as northwest twayblade, is a species of orchid in the Orchidaceae family. Previously classified in the genus Listera, it was reclassified into Neottia following molecular phylogenetic research that demonstrated the bird's-nest orchid (Neottia nidus-avis) originated within the former Listera clade. Older names for this species include Listera banksiana and Listera caurina. It is native to North America, with a distribution spanning Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The species was first published in 1852.

Description

Neottia banksiana is a member of the Orchidaceae family and is known by the common name northwest twayblade. It was historically placed in the genus Listera, but recent molecular phylogenetic studies have led to its reclassification under Neottia. This change was necessitated by findings that the bird's-nest orchid (Neottia nidus-avis) evolved within the former Listera clade. As a result, all Listera species were formally moved to Neottia. This species occurs in several regions of North America, including Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. It was first described in 1852.

Other common names

northwestern twaybladenorthwest twaybladewestern twayblade

Distribution

Alberta · British Columbia · North America · Alaska · California · Idaho · Montana · Oregon · Washington

Synonyms

Listera banksianaListera caurinaNeottia caurinaOphrys caurina

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