Genus Pilophyllum

Pilophyllum Schltr.,
Orchideen (1914) 131

Sympodial terrestrial plants. Pseudobulbs present, consisting of one internode, one-leaved. Leaves not sheathing, densely hairy, dorso-ventrally flattened, plicate, not articulate, convolute, thin-textured. Inflorescence arising from the rhizome (heteranthous), a raceme. Flowers medium-sized, not resupinate, yellowish with red-brown markings. Sepals free. Petals free, more or less intermediate in shape between the dorsal sepal and the lateral sepals. Lip without spur, not mobile. Column-foot present. Pollinia 2, solid-waxy, caudicles absent, stipe absent, viscidium absent.

Distribution
Peninsular Malaysia, Java, Borneo, Moluccas, Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands. One species [Pilophyllum villosum (Blume) Schltr.].

Habitat
Terrestrial in montane forest.

Notes
Pilophyllum is easy to recognise by the large broad leaves that are covered with fairly stiff yellowish brown hairs. The intricate, not resupinate flowers are equally characteristic. The only known species, Pilophyllum villosum, is widespread but occurs only sporadically in most of its range. In New Guinea it is only known from an old record by Schlechter. Very rare in cultivation.

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