The one-leaf orchid’s scientific name is Nervilia fordii Schultze or it also has other names such as pearl euphorbia, celestial anemone, flag orchid.

These are perennial herbaceous plants. The plant has round or oval grass and the special feature of this plant is that it has only one leaf in its life cycle. The tree’s leaves grow from a stem connected to the root, and are heart-shaped with fan-like veins.

Monoleaf orchids have one or two flowers growing from a straight stem and when in bloom will have no leaves. After the flower blooms and fades, the new leaf begins to grow.

Currently, researchers have discovered about 80 species of one-leaf orchids. In Vietnam, there are 5 species of one-leaf orchids recorded, including Nervilia aragoana, Nervilia crispata, Nervilia fordii, Nervilia plicata and Nervilia prainiana, distributed mainly under the high humidity forest canopy of the Northern mountainous provinces and Central Highlands.

Monoleaf orchid is considered a precious medicinal plant, all parts of the plant can be used as medicine. The leaves and tubers of the plant are used as medicine to treat coughs, bronchitis, cool the lungs, and detoxify. Eating fresh tubers can help nourish the body.

In addition to being medicinal, the one-leafed tree is also loved and collected by bonsai hobbyists around the world because of its uniqueness and rarity.

But the natural reserves of one-leaf orchids in Vietnam are increasingly decreasing due to heavy exploitation. Researchers are currently breeding this rare plant.