Derivation of genus name: From the Greek apostasia (separation, divorce).

Type species: Apostasia odorata Blume.

Characteristics of genus: Erect terrestrial with slender stem, sometimes branched, and closely set leaves. The terminal inflorescence is erect to lax, with up to six side branches bearing up to thirty flowers. the flowers are usually yellow, sometimes white.

Number of sections and/or subsections in genus: none described

Number of species in New Guinea: 1

Species shown here: Apostasia wallichii R. Brown ex Wall.,
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft from live specimen and spirit material ex Nawati Banda, Bulolo, Morobe Province.

Species photo shown here: Apostasia wallichii R. Brown ex Wall.,
in forest at Kamiali Wildlife M/A, Morobe Province.

Habitat: These evergreen terrestrials are found in moist soils in shady tropical forests.