Nervillia jacksoniae, a small terrestrial herbaceous orchid in the subfamily Epidendroideae (family Orchidaceae), grows from an underground tuber 1 to 1.5 cm (0.4 to 0.6 in) in diameter. The erect inflorescence produces a single, terminal, small (less than 1 cm [0.4 in]) flower when 4 to 7 cm (1.6 to 2.8 in) tall. Tepals are green, the fringed lip is white with green hairs on the mid lobe. Kidney-shaped leaves, (5 x 3 cm [2 x 1.2 in]) emerge as the seed capsules develop, and are borne singly on a 2 cm (0.8 in) petiole. The top surface is covered with small hairs; there are seven main veins and the leaf margin is angled between the veins. Leaves wither as the dry season progresses, and plants are dormant for 2 or more months.