Octarrhena teretifolia (Gilli) W.Kittr., Bot. Mus. Leafl. 30 (1984, publ. 1985) 101
Basionym: Dendrochilum teretifolium
Stems narrowly cylindrical, arising from a branched rhizome, strongly curved, to 30 cm long, covered with sheaths. Leaves terete, linear, subobtuse, 4-7 by 0.1-0.2 cm, deciduous when dried. Inflorescences 4-8 cm long, many-flowered, thin, nodding. Floral bracts narrowly lanceolate, long acuminate, persistent, 0.1-0.3 cm long. Sepals ovate-lanceolate, obtuse, 0.2 cm long, patent. Petals 0.1 cm long, at the base narrower, orbicular. Lip similar to the petals. Column short, apex subtruncate or dentate. Ovary and pedicel very short, 0.2 cm long. (After Gilli, 1983, as Dendrochilum teretifolium)
Colours: Flowers pale green.
Habitat: Epiphyte in upper montane forest; 2950 m.
Flowering time in the wild: February.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea, endemic).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea. See map: 486-52M.JPG.
Cultivation: Probably cool growing epiphyte.