Epipogium J.G.Gmelin
in Flora Sibirica 1 (1747), 11, t.2, f.2; corr. Ledebour Fl. Ross. 4 (1853), 77

Introduction: Only three species are known in this genus widely distributed from Europe, tropical Africa, Japan, the Pacific islands and Australia. E. nutans is found from India to New Caledonia. Cribb and Lewis described E. roseumfrom the Solomon Islands, another species widely distributed from Africa, through Asia to Australia and New Caledonia as well as New Guinea.

Derivation of genus name: German botanists Johann Gmelin and Moritz Borkhausen created this genus in 1792 from the Greek words epi (upon) and pogon (beard) in reference to the prominent beard-like labellum.

Type species: Epipogium aphyllum

Characteristics of the genus: Leafless saprophytes with fleshy rhizomes and erect stems. The small flowers are dull coloured. E. roseum plants have a short life, arising rapidly from the ground in a few days and producing flowers and fruit in quick succession. Within a week the plant is shedding its seed, and the entire plant will be dead within the following week. The species is easily recognized among the dark litter and soil because the skin and flowers are pale white to creamy white.

Number of species in New Guinea: The only known species from Papua New Guinea is Epipogium roseum (D.Don) Lindley

Species line drawing: Epipogium roseum (D. Don) Lindley
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft from live specimen ex Bulolo, Morobe Province
Key to Illustration: A: habit; B: petals and sepals removed to display labellum, spur and column; C: column, from front, showing anther and pollinia; D: column from side

Photo: Epipogium roseum (D. Don) Lindley

Habitat: Occurs in forest undergrowth in relatively well-drained situations in both loamy soil and deep litter.

Conservation status: not known