| Listera | |
|---|---|
| Listera cordata | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Tribe: | Neottieae |
| Subtribe: | Listerinae |
| Genus: | Listera R.Br. ex Ait f. |
| Species | |
|
About 25; see text |
|
Listera is a genus of orchids which are known commonly as twayblades, the only member of subtribe Listerinae. Twayblade orchids are native to cooler temperate regions worldwide, including the Arctic. It produces raceme inflorescences with flowers in shades of maroon, purple, green or dull pink. The lip of each flower is prominently forked or two-lobed. The genus was named for the English naturalist Martin Lister.