MICROSPERMEi© 293 



The capsule opens when ripe and the small seed 

 are wind-dispersed. 



The English name cited is the only one with which 

 we are acquainted. 



Malaxis paludosa. — In Fig. 78 note the shape of 

 the leaves and sheath below. The spike z's, as shown, 

 long, slender. The perianth-segments are spreading. 



Tw ay-Blade {Listera ovata). 



In the first Latin name the name of a British 

 naturalist, Dr. Martin Lister (d. 171 i) is com- 

 memorated. The second Latin name refers to the 

 shape of the leaves, and the English name to their 

 number. The name Listera was bestowed on this 

 plant by Dr. R. Brown, who first determined the 

 homology of the organs of the flower. 



This is one of our commoner Orchids, being found 

 in all parts of the British Isles, including Ireland, and 

 in the Channel Islands. In the north of England it 

 is found at an altitude of 2000 ft. 



Woods, usually damp woods, copses, and damp 

 pastures, are the habitats of the Tway-blade. It is 

 found on clays and loams in damp oakwoods, on 

 siliceous soils in sessile oakwoods, on limestone in 

 limestone scrub, on limestone grassland, on limestone 

 pavements, and on chalk on chalk grassland. Where 

 it occurs it is generally sporadic. 



In habit it is typically orchidaceous. The stem is 

 solitary and stout. The rootstock consists of a tuft 



