Epipogium

Epipogium, commonly known as ghost orchids ( or ), is a genus of four species of terrestrial leafless orchids in the family Orchidaceae. Orchids in this genus have a fleshy, underground rhizome and a fleshy, hollow flowering stem with small, pale coloured, drooping, short-lived flowers with narrow sepals and petals. They are native to a region extending from tropical Africa to Europe, temperate and tropical Asia, Australia and some Pacific Islands.

==Description== Orchids in the genus Epipogium are leafless, terrestrial, mycotrophic herbs. They have a fleshy underground rhizome and the flowering stem is the only part above ground level. The flowering stem is pale-coloured, hollow, fleshy and bears a few to many drooping flowers and papery bracts. The flowers are yellowish white with violet or reddish brown markings and are short-lived. The sepals and petals are narrow and similar in size and shape to each other. The labellum is relatively broad and dished with a prominent spur at its base.