Phaius J. Loureiro
in Flora Cochinchinea. 2:529; 1790

INTRODUCTION: Some fifty species are widely distri-buted over Africa, Asia, New Guinea and some Pacific Islands.

DERIVATION OF GENUS NAME: Described in 1790 by J. Loureiro and referring to the dark-coloured flowers of the type species the name was taken from the Greek phaios = dark, dusty. The genus name is sometimes spelled incorrectly as Phajus. The perhaps best known species, because of its wide distribution, is Phaius tankervilliae with its tall inflorescence and striking brown and white flowers. This species is also commonly known as the 'Veiled Nun or Nun's Orchid'. From the Highlands of Papua New Guinea we know Phaius flava with its sulphur yellow flow-ers.

TYPE SPECIES: Phaius grandiflorus Loureiro.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GENUS: Fairly large, evergreen ter-restrials with pleated leaves. The sometimes very tall inflorescence carries few to many large flowers ranging from white or bright yellow inside to dull brown and white on the back of the sepals and petals. The three-lobed labellum is joined to a base forming a spurred or pouched base.

NUMBER OF SECTIONS AND/OR SUBSECTIONS IN GENUS:

NUMBER OF SPECIES IN NEW GUINEA: Possibly seven species.

SPECIES LINE DRAWING: Phaius amboinensis var. papuana Schlechter
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft
Key to Illustration: A: top of plant and base of inflorescence; B: flowers and rhachis; C: dorsal sepal; D: petal; E: lateral sepal; F: labellum, side view; G: labellum, flattened; H-I: column

HABITAT: Their habitats vary from open grass-lands and swamps to gullies, some species grow in humus on the forest floor in moderate to dense shade; At least one species grows as a ruderal on the road sides is often found in the company of Spathoglottis species.

PHOTO: Phaius species

CONSERVATION STATUS: not threatened