Malaxis muscifera (Lindl.) Kuntze is a threatened orchid known for its healing properties since ancient times. It is one of the eight important
herbs constituting the highly acclaimed group of therapeutic plants known as Astavarga. This monsoon blooming species, known as
Risabhak in ayurvedic literature, inhabits semi-shady forest floors and open or shrubby grasslands in temperate and alpine regions (1800-
4300 m). Several bioactive compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, etc.) extracted from its pseudobulbs, roots,
stems, and leaves possess anti-aging, anti-allergenic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, anti-microbial, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant,
anti-ulcer, and anti-viral activities. It is, therefore, collected illegally and unscientifically for its medicinal properties, from the wild. The
present paper attempts to provide notes on its morphological characteristics, distribution pattern, and phytochemical constituents.