in Flora Javae 4 (1858), 78. Collection des Orchidees de plus remarquables de l'archipel Indien et du Japon Vol. 1; 1858; p. 93
Introduction: A small genus of only three species, distributed from Malaysia, Java to New Guinea.
Author and derivation of genus name:Greek lepis (scale), gyne (pistil). referring to the subulate, scale-like rostellum of the column
Type species: Lepidogyne longifolia (Bl.) Blume
Basionym: Neottia longifolia Blume
Characteristics of genus: Terrestrial herbs, rather impressive when in flowering plants with their tall, thick inflorescence of orange-red flowers and bracts. The fully mature inflorescence of Lepidogyne sceptrum Schltr. can exceed the height of a man. Without inflorescence plants have been mistaken for lilies. Lepidogyne sceptrum is used as medicine for pigs in the Lake Kutubu district of the Southern Highlands of PNG.
Number of species in New Guinea: 2
Habitat: Abundant in dense shade on rainforest floor at around 800 m growing in leaf litter near creeks and little streams.
Conservation status: not threatened
Species line drawing: Lepidogyne sceptrum Schlechter
drawn by Emmanuel Saya and N.H.S. Howcroft
Key to Illustration:
