Malaxis pseudoliparis P.F.Hunt, Kew Bull. 24 (1970) 83
Basionym: Microstylis epiphytica
Epiphytic, erect or pendent, stemless or almost so. Roots filiform, flexuose, glabrous. Leaves erect-patent or patent, linear-lanceolate, acuminate, somewhat narrowed towards the base, sheathing at the base, thin textured, 4-8 cm long, above the middle 0.7-1.5 cm wide. Inflorescence erect, almost straight or ascending or pendent, with 2-3 small, distant, lanceolate, acuminate scales; rachis laxly several- to many-flowered, elongated. Floral bracts leaf-like, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, erect-patent, glabrous, almost as long as the ovary. Flowers erect-patent, not resupinate. Median sepal broadly ovate, acute, 0.4 cm long, below the middle 0.3 cm wide. Lateral sepals obliquely ovate, subacute or obtuse acuminate, as long as the median sepal but a little narrower. Petals linear, obtuse, 0.4 cm long. Lip reniform, apex subobtuse, inside below the apex with two very small crescent-shaped lamellae, 0.3 cm long, at the very base 0.4 cm wide. Column short, a little narrowed towards the stigma, at the apex somewhat dilated, with a dorsal hump; rostellum low, shallowly notched. Anther in outline obovate, in front truncate; pollinia clavate, cohering with a curved stipe [caudicle?]. Ovary clavate, including the slender pedicel 0.6 cm long. (After Schlechter, 1905)
Colours: Flowers yellowish green, lip orange-red.
Habitat: Epiphyte in Metroxylon swamps, also on shrubs in rainforest, growing in shaded positions; 250 to 500 m.
Flowering time in the wild: April, May, July, September.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea, endemic).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Indonesia); Papua New Guinea. See map: 431-342M.JPG.
Cultivation: Warm growing epiphyte, requires shaded position.