JEWEL ORCHID

any member of several closely related genera of orchids (family Orchidaceae) that are cultivated as ornamentals because of their striking leaf patterns. Downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens), native to eastern North America, has dark green leaves with silver and white veins. Its small white flowers are borne on a spike, as are those of the Southeast Asian species Anoectochilus roxburghii, A. sikkimensis, Dossinia marmorata, Ludisia discolor, and Zeuxine strateumatica (also found in southeastern North America). The first four have wide green or brownish green leaves with red or gold veins borne near the base of the plant. The leaves of Zeuxine are arranged along the stem and may or may not be patterned.