jewel orchid, any member of several closely related genera of orchids (family Orchidaceae) cultivated for their striking leaf patterns.
Downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens), native to eastern North America, has dark green leaves with silver and white veins. The Hawai’i jewel orchid (Anoectochilus sandvicensis), A. setaceus, A. sikkimensis, Dossinia marmorata, Ludisia discolor, and Macodes petola are found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific and feature spikes of small white flowers. These species have wide green or brownish green leaves with red or gold veins borne near the base of the plant.