Marbled Jewel Orchid Leaves

This orchid (Anoectochilus monicae) is strictly endemic only to the mountains in Sabah, North Borneo.

Marbled Jewel Orchid (Anoectochilus spp.) are named for their beautiful bright intricate vein patterns on their leaves. Unlike most orchids, Jewel Orchids are more well known for their leaves rather than their flowers. Flowers are also rare to witness due to specific conditions during certain seasons to make it bloom. The flowers of this orchid species have obvious "filaments" which makes it very unusual compared to other orchid groups. There are also tiny hairs on the petals. The largest leaf is almost 50 mm while the whole plant is around 120 mm tall. Only grow low in the montane rainforest floor where it is dark and cool.

Jewel Orchids from the Macodes genus are also known for their interesting leaves.

Genus ID thanks to Patrick Sodusta.