Holothrix is a genus of 55 orchid species in the Orchidaceae family. They are all found in Africa. They are mostly tuberous species that have minute flowers and one or two often hairy, round to oval leaves that grow flat on the ground. They usually flower during spring or summer but some do flower in autumn as well. Growing orchids from seed is a fairly specialized undertaking and it requires a bit of understanding of tissue culture techniques. If you have never grown orchids from seed we recommend that before attempting this you should first contact your local Orchid Society, or purchase a book on the subject, or both!

Holothrix longiflora, synonymously known as Holothrix lastii hails from Angola, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia where it is found growing mainly in open Brachystegia woodland, rock crevices and montane grassland overlying rock or on seepage slopes. The gorgeous flowers are white with green sepals and are strongly and sweetly scented. This orchid bears 2 leaves that are appressed to the ground, one larger than the other. They are fleshy, heart-shaped to kidney-shaped and up to 7 cm long and up to 8.5 cm wide. They are glossy pale green and sparsely hairy.