Neottia confusa

Neottia confusa is a terrestrial orchid found on the forest floor. It reaches a height of 12–15.5 centimetres (5–6 in), with less variation in height as compared to other Neottia species. The stem is ridged, with a pair of oppositely arranged cauline leaves toward its base. The leaves are sessile (attached without stalks) and oval shaped with rounded apices, measuring 8–12 millimetres (0.3–0.5 in) long and 6–11 millimetres (0.2–0.4 in) wide. Flowering and fruiting occur from July to August. Between 15 and 20 flowers are arranged in a raceme at the end of the stem. These flowers are greenish and 3–4 millimetres (0.12–0.16 in) long. The peduncle, a stalk supporting the inflorescence, is 5–22 millimetres (0.2–0.9 in) in length, circular in cross-section, and covered in glandular hairs. Each individual flower is borne on a pedicel subtended by two to three acuminate (narrow-ended) bracts, although these are sometimes absent. Their pedicels and ovaries are smooth and together about 2–3 millimetres (0.08–0.1 in) in length. As with other orchids, the flowers of N. confusa have three sepals and three petals, with the median petal called the labellum or lip. The lateral petals are oblong to elliptical, with a rounded apex, 2.2 by 1 millimetre (0.09 in × 0.04 in). The lip is simple and triangular, measuring around 1.2–1.5 by 1 millimetre (0.05 in–0.06 in × 0.04 in). …

Neottia confusa is known only from the type locality, a region occupying 4 square kilometres (1.5 sq mi) in the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The area has an elevation of 3,200–3,800 metres (10,500–12,500 ft) and is located within the temperate to subalpine biome. It grows in moist moss on the forest floor alongside other herbaceous plants, including Neottia acuminata and Juncus, with an canopy dominated by Rhododendron and Abies. When N. confusa was first discovered in 2010, three groups of 10–15 mature individuals were observed; no subsequent populations have been documented. The IUCN has estimated the global population as consisting of 40–50 plants but recognizes that research is needed in order to establish a more accurate estimate of the population size and population trends. Because the plant's known range is contained entirely in a remote protected area, Bhaumik proposed assessing its conservation status as least concern in his 2012 description of the species. While no immediate threats to the conservation of N. confusa have been identified, the small number of known occurrences of the plant led to its classification as critically endangered under Criterion D by the IUCN. As with all other orchids, its trade is regulated under CITES.

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