A very well-known alpine orchid which doesn't grow in the plains. Usually it can be found between 1000 and 2000 meters above the sea level.

The blossoms are grouped into a tight ball and smell like vanilla. The most common species has purple-black blossoms. A similar species, N. rubra which grows in the eastern Alps, has red blossoms.

The blossoms of Nigritella are upside-down. Unlike the most other orchids, the ripe seed-vessel doesn't turn around, so the lip is pointing upwards.

Another mountain orchid with a spherical panicle is the pink Traunsteinera globosa which is not relative to Nigritella.

Nigritella has forked bulbs like Gymnadenia. Bastards between both families are common.

Like most alpine plants, Nigritella can be called difficult in culture. The bed should be kept moderately dry and contain limestone.