Vartax was a planet located in or near Federation space in the galaxy's Alpha or Beta Quadrant. It was the homeworld of the Vartician civilization.
History and specifics
Vartax was shielded with some sort of cosmic barrier that kept it hidden and its surface relatively dark. It had a breathable atmosphere and supported abundant grass and trees.
In the 2260s, a number of Zond refugees invaded Vartician cities, and the Varticians fled into deep caverns. The Zonds then proceeded to use up the planet's resources.
In 2267, the USS Enterprise was passing near Vartax. The Zond made first contact and through deceit managed to maroon the starship's crew on Vartax. But Spock had remained hidden aboard the ship, and he was able to overcome the Zond leader. The Zond refugees were sent back to Vartax aboard a space bug until Starfleet reinforcements could arrive, but the Zond preferred to self destruct the shuttle and commit suicide rather than return in defeat.
As part of their trickery, the Zonds claimed that they and the planet existed on a different dimensional plane. (TOS comic: "Spectre of the Zond")
- As the planet exhibited vibrant plant life, the cosmic barrier might have been erected relatively recently, otherwise the lack of light would have killed the plants.