Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Jewel orchid

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Distribution: Southeast Asia

Habitat: Forest floor

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Life form: Evergreen perennial

Comments: This orchid is part of a group of orchids that are commonly referred to as "jewel orchids", a term used to refer to orchids that are grown for their beautiful foliage rather than for their flowers. Other genera in this jewel orchid-group include Anoectochilus, Corybas and Macodes, although Ludisia discolor is the most well-known jewel orchid. Ludisia discolor has very attractive velvety dark green to purple-green foliage. The white flowers are small, but can still create a nice display. In their natural habitat these plants grow on the forest floor where it is damp and shady, which is why these orchids don't thrive in high-light conditions in cultivation.