Malaxis, commonly called adder's mouth, is a genus of terrestrial and semiepiphytic orchids. The generic name signifies "smooth" and alludes to the tender texture of the leaves. There are approximately 182 species, found mostly in tropics but with some species in temperate regions.[1][2][3]

Malaxis
Malaxis monophyllos
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Malaxideae
Subtribe: Malaxidinae
Genus: Malaxis
Sol. ex Sw. 1788
Synonyms
  • Achroanthes Raf.
  • Acroanthes Raf.
  • Cheiropterocephalus Barb. Rodr.
  • Dienia Lindl.
  • Hammarbya Kuntze
  • Microstylis (Nutt.) Eaton
  • Pedilea Lindl.
  • Pseudoliparis Finet
Malaxis densiflora from India
Species[4]

References

edit
  1. ^ Flora of China Malaxis Solander ex Swartz, 1788. 原沼兰属 yuan zhao lan shu
  2. ^ Flora of North America, Malaxis 1788. Adder’s-mouth
  3. ^ Ames, O. and C. Schweinfurth. 1935. Nomenclatural studies in Malaxis and Spiranthes. Botanical Museum Leaflets 3: 113–133
  4. ^ The Plant List, search for Malaxis