Kuhlhasseltia J.J.Sm.,
Icon. Bogor. (1910) t. 301
Sympodial terrestrial plants. Stem elongated. Leaves few, sheathing at the base, glabrous, dorso-ventrally flattened, not articulate, convolute, herbaceous. Inflorescence terminal, a raceme. Flowers small, resupinate, brownish. Sepals free. Petals free, about as long as the dorsal sepal, usually cohering at the apices. Lip spurred, not mobile, inside at the base with 2 warts; spur short, hardly protruding from between the lateral sepals. Column-foot absent. Pollinia 2, sectile, caudicles present, stipe absent, viscidium present. Stigma 1.
Distribution
Malesia. About 5 species; in New Guinea one species [Kuhlhasseltia papuana J.J.Sm.].
Habitat
Terrestrial in montane forest.
Notes
Kuhlhasseltia was named after H. Kuhl and J. C. van Hasselt, two young scientists who studied the flora and fauna of Java around 1821. Often working together, they discovered many orchid species, which were subsequently described by Blume. Both died while only in their twenties. Kuhlhasseltia is a poorly studied genus, related to Cystorchis, Eurycentrum, and others. It may be recognised by the short conical spur that is almost enveloped by the lateral sepals. The leaves are usually deep purplish brown with a velvety sheen, and often with a wavy margin.