LILY TWAYBLADE 



Liparis liliifolia (Linnaeus) Richard 



This Httle orchid is inconspicuous where it grows, on account of 

 its protective coloring, which blends so perfectly with its surround- 

 ings, though a fascinating plant when examined closely. It blooms in 

 May and has two rich green leaves that clasp the flower stem and grow 

 from a solid perennial bulb. It is the easiest to cultivate of all our native 

 orchids, not being particular as to the reaction of the soil, although it 

 prefers an abundance of humus. 



The lily twayblade extends from Missouri to Georgia and north- 

 ward, and since the ice of the glacial period retreated has succeeded in 

 migrating as far north as Minnesota and Maine. 



The specimen sketched grew on High Island in the Potomac River 

 near Washington, District of Columbia. 



PLATE 34 



