Listera R. Br., 1763

D. M. Moore (ed.), 1980, CCIII Orchidaceae, Flora Europaea, Vol 5: Alismataceae to Orchidaceae, Camebridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 325-350 : 329

7. Listera R. Br. 1

Plants with short rhizome and slender roots. Leaves usually 2, subopposite, sessile, borne just below middle of stem. Inflores­ cence a rather lax, spike-like raceme. Perianth-segments sub­ equal, patent or somewhat convergent. Labellum 2-3 times as long as other segments, deeply 2-fid distally, rarely with 2 small basal lobes, secreting nectar in central furrow; spur absent. Column short, erect. Rostellum wide, flat. Viscidia absent; bursicles absent.

Leaves 5-20 cm; raceme 7-25 cm, many-flowered I. ovata Leaves 1 -2-5 cm; raceme 1 -5-6 cm, 4- to 12-flowered 2. cordata 1. L. ovata (L.) R. Br. in Alton,