Malaxis Soland.
The Adder's-mouth orchids
Malaxis monophyllos var. brachypoda
Photo courtesy of Ken Sytsma
The term Malaxis is derived from
the Greek term for soft, and apparently refers to the soft, herbaceous nature
of the leaves. These plants are fairly rare, and small and nondescript.
Consequently, they are little known, even to botanists. Worldwide, there
are more than 200 species placed in this genus, but only two are found in
Wisconsin.
Malaxis monophyllos var. brachypoda
Malaxis unifolia
Go to the key to the species of Malaxis.
Return to the main LIST of the Orchids of
Wisconsin.
Return to the main KEY to the Orchids of
Wisconsin.