Neuwiedia Blume
in van d. Hoeven & de Vriese, Tijdschr. Nat. Gesch. 1(1834), 140

Introduction: A small genus of about eight species from tropical South-East Asia, Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea to some Pacific Islands. Neuwiedia veratrifolia Blume occurs from the Malay Peninsula to New Guinea and the Solomon islands.

Derivation of genus name: dedicated to Prince Maximillian von Neuwied (1782 - 1859).

Type species: Neuwiedia veratrifolia Blume

Characteristics of genus: Erect, tall, terrestrial herbs with long plicate leaves. The terminal inflorescence is erect and unbranched. The nodding flowers are not opening widely. Neuwiedia together with Apostasia of the subfamily Apostasioideae are considered to belong to the most primitive orchids. Most orchids have only one fertile stamen but Neuwidia has three.

Number of species in New Guinea: One

Habitat: Neuwiedia veratrifolia Blume occurs from sea level to about 750 m altitude, growing in shaded damp areas in the forest undergrowth and often growing in clay and clay loams with very little leaf litter cover.

Conservation status: not known

Species shown here: Neuwiedia veratrifolia Blume
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft

Key to Illustration: A: flower spike; B: habit

© 2002 Papua New Guinea Orchid News

Layout & Design Copyright © 1998 - 2002 Wolfgang H. Bandisch.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium
without express written permission is prohibited.
All rights reserved.