Malaxis latifolia

Malaxis latifolia Smith

Tribe: MALAXIDEAE

Synonyms: Dienia congesta Lindl.
Gastroglottis montana Blume.
Neottia plantaginea D.Don.
Spianthes plantaginea (D. Don.) Sprengel
Dienia fusca (Lindl.) Reichb.
Malaxis plicata Roxb.
Microstylis rheedii sensu Reichb.

Country: India, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia

Contributor: Ian Walters (original line drawing)

Malaxis latifolia is a terestrial plant which is most often nearly completely deciduous during the dry season. Found in the eastern tropics from Cape York to as far south as the Burdekin river.

A very attractive plant with large plicate leaves when in new growth at the start of the wet season. It will grow vigorously if given plenty of warmth, water and adequate fertilizer.

Found growing most often in rainforest or sometimes in wet sclerophyll forests in deep leaf litter on rocks from sea level to at least 900m.