Lesser twayblade
Neottia cordata
Family: Orchidaceae
Fire effect on plant
Lesser twayblade is likely killed by fire directly, or by unsuitable environmental conditions after fire.
Key traits
This orchid resides in high humidity habitats, such as humid heathlands (Kotilínek et al, 2018), where it associates with cushions of moss or the understorey of heather (Harrap & Harrap, 2005). Its preference for very humid conditions means that the removal of the sub-shrub canopy and moss layers due to burning of heather on grouse moors results in unsuitable habitat, and a subsequent decline in abundance. Seeds may survive fire in the seedbank and allow population recovery once suitable conditions return (Lee et al, 2013).
Plant response to fire
Lesser twayblade is highly sensitive to the prescribed burning of heather on grouse moors, with surviving populations confined to patches of unburned vegetation (e.g. protected from burning as a result of topography or the position of flushes; Glaves et al, 2013). Populations may recover following the cessation of burns (Lee et al, 2013).
Timing of life history
Perennial species. Seeds can be produced from 2-6 years depending upon the site productivity. Flowering April to August.
Conservation status
None.
References
Glaves, D. J., Morecroft, M., Fitzgibbon, C., Lepitt, P., Owen, M., & Phillips, S. (2013). Natural England review of upland evidence 2012 – The effects of managed burning on upland peatland biodiversity, carbon and water. Natural England Evidence Review, Number 004. [Empirical evidence; grey literature]
Harrap, A., & Harrap, S. (2005). Orchids of Britain and Ireland. London, UK: A&C Black [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
Kotilínek M, Tatarenko I, Jersáková J. Biological Flora of the British Isles: Neottia cordata. J Ecol. 2018; 106: 444–460. [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
Lee, H., Alday, J. G., Rose, R. J., O'Reilly, J., & Marrs, R. H. (2013). Long-term effects of rotational prescribed burning and low-intensity sheep grazing on blanket-bog plant communities. Journal of Applied Ecology, 50, 625–635. [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]