Macodes Lindl. (1840)

A member of the SUBFAMILY Spiranthoideae in the TRIBE Erythrodeae SUBTRIBE Goodyerinae.

Type species: Macodes petola (Blume) Lindl.

Presently believed to contain between 7-10 species found from The Malaysian Peninsula to New Guinea and Vanuatu. One of a group of genera which are referred to as Jewel Orchids for their intricately patterned and colourful leaves. Other genera commonly referred to as Jewel orchids are Anoectochilus, Eucosia and Goodyera.

Plants are generally small, with a creeping rhizome which extends to a short erect vertical stem which bears a rosette of attractive leaves and an erect inflorescence with many small flowers. Found at elevations from 100 to 800m in partial to dense shade growing in moist litter and soil on well-drained sites.

Macodes Culture
Being a semiterrestrial genus that is found growing naturally in leafy humus and moss on shaded rocks. Plants should thus be grown in a well drained media in shallow containers, with a media that will stay damp but not wet. A shallow terracotta saucer is perhaps the ideal container. Perhaps this could be rested on a tray of pebbles which is kept full of water to the level of the pebbles. After flowering, the plants should be rested somewhat drier until the new growth starts. It should be emphasized that these are found in the very shaded areas beside streams in the dense rainforest and as such some thought needs to be given to duplicating that environment.

Macodes are not generally seen all that commonly in collections but when they are present they will always catch attention. They are considered to have great horticultural potential because of their beautiful foliage.