Malaxis laxa (Ridl.) P.F.Hunt, Kew Bull. 24 (1970) 81
Basionym: Microstylis laxa
Stem creeping, ascending, slender, 14-12 cm long, 3-leaved. Leaves ovate, acuminate, 3-4 by 1-2.5 cm, at the base broad; sheath narrow, 1 cm long. Inflorescence 23-25 cm long, for the greater part laxly carrying flowers. Floral bracts linear, acuminate, deflexed, 0.4 cm long. Sepals linear, oblong, 0.5 cm long, at the base 0.1 cm wide. Petals linear, obtuse, 0.4 cm by 5 cm. Lip ovate, orbicular, at the apex acute, margins very shortly dentate; basal auricles long, curved, acute. Column very short, apical wings short. Anther oblong, rounded. Pedicel and ovary 0.6 cm. long. (After Ridley, 1916)
Colours: Flowers apparently yellow or green.
Habitat: Terrestrial in hill forest; 759 m.
Flowering time in the wild: Not recorded.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea, endemic).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Indonesia). See map: 431-210M.JPG.
Cultivation: Warm growing terrestrial.