Nervilia crispata (Bl.) Schltr. an Interesting Ground Orchid

Nervilia crispata (Bl.) Schltr. an interesting ground orchid, is described from material collected at Mercara. It is also recorded from Tirthahalli, and its occurrence at Biligiri Rangan Hills is confirmed. Pogonia prainiana King & Pantl., and Nervilia monantha Blatt. & McC. are considered to be later names to identical plants and are both put in synonymy with Nervilia crispata. Since the plant is a small herb either in flower or in leaf at one time, and its duration is brief while in flower, it is suggested that it has escaped the attention of plant collectors, remaining unknown from many areas. A detailed description of the orchid, with a photograph and a plate with analytical drawings, is provided to facilitate its discovery in additional localities.