Orchidantha
(from Orchis, an Orchid, and anthos, a flower; in allusion to the Orchid-like appearance of the flowers). ORD. Scitamineae. A monotypic genus. The species is a very remarkable and interesting, stove, perennial herb, resembling a dwarf Heliconia in foliage, but with flowers like those of an Orchid. For culture, see Heliconia, on p. 128, Vol. II.
O. borneensis (Bornean). fl. produced in short spikes close to the ground; sepals yellowish at base, purplish towards the apex. narrow linear-lanceolate, acute, 1in. long; petals blackish-violet. linear, obtuse, aristate, rather more than 1/4in. long; lip blackish-violet, linear, acuminate, 1in. long; stamens five. l. elliptic-oblong, acuminate, bright green, 6in. to 8in. long, 2 1/2in. to 3in. broad; petioles 5in. to 10in. long. Borneo, 1886.