in Cat. Wallich, (1832), 7396 and in Botanical Register 1833, sub. t. 1618
Introduction: A small genus of five species found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and New Guinea.
Author and derivation of genus name: Greek hyle (forest), philos (lover). Alluding to the terrestrial habit and forest habitat.
Type species: Hylophylla mollis Lindley
Characteristics of genus: These terrestrial herbs have creeping, fleshy rhizomes, erect, leafy stems up to 30 - 60 cm tall, the leaves are distichous, ovate and often asymmetric. The flowers do not open widely.
Number of species in New Guinea: Two species, H. gracilis Schltr. and H. orientalis Schltr. have been recorded here.
View photo: Hylophila gracilis
Habitat: The species occur in the lowland rain forests where they grow in damp condition in the forest undergrowth.
Conservation status: not known
Hylophila Lindley