Phreatia gracilis Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 925
Type: Schlechter 18003 (holo B, lost; iso BO); para: Schlechter 19547 (B, lost)
Epiphytic, erect, slender, 5-10 cm high; roots filiform, glabrous. Stem almost lacking, hidden by the leaf-sheaths, c. 4-6-leaved. Leaves erect-patent, obliquely ligulate, subobtuse, gradually somewhat narrowed towards the base, 3-8 cm long, near the middle 0.4-0.7 cm wide. Inflorescence laxly 10-25-flowered, turned to all sides, as long as the leaves or a little longer; peduncle slender with a few small scales, distinctly shorter than the leaves. Floral bracts lanceolate, acuminate, slightly more than half as long as the ovary. Flowers minute, glabrous. Sepals very broadly elliptic, obtuse, about 0.1 cm long. Lateral sepals oblique, towards the base in front dilated. Petals broadly obovate-spathulate, broadly obtuse, oblique, a little shorter than the sepals. Lip as long as the sepals, at the base broadly elliptic-ligulate, somewhat concave; blade broadly reniform, obtusely apiculate, at the truncate base abruptly dilated, 0.06 cm long, at the base 0.09 cm wide. Column short, without rostellum; clinandrium distinctly raised, truncate. Anther reniform-cucullate. Ovary pedicellate, glabrous, c. 0.2 cm long. (After Schlechter, 1911-1914)
Colours: Leaves green. Flowers white.
Habitat: Epiphyte in lower montane forest; 1000 to 1200 m.
Flowering time in the wild: March, May, July.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea. See map: 549-89M.JPG.
Cultivation: Intermediate growing epiphyte.