Phreatia oreogena

Phreatia oreogena Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 921

Type: Schlechter 17974 (holo B, lost)

Epiphytic, very small, c. 6 cm high; roots filiform, glabrous. Stem almost lacking, hidden by the leaf-sheaths, 4-6-leaved. Leaves erect-patent, linear-ligulate, obtuse, minutely apiculate, 2.5-3.5 cm long, near the middle 0.3-0.4 cm wide, gradually narrowed towards the base. Inflorescence laxly 15-20-flowered, about half as long as the leaves; peduncle slender with a few small scales. Floral bracts lanceolate, acuminate, almost as long as the pedicel. Flowers minute, cleistogamous; glabrous, subpatent. Sepals ovate, obtuse, 0.08 cm long. Lateral sepals oblique, subacuminate, at the base in front somewhat dilated. Petals obliquely oblong, subacute, a little shorter than the sepals. Lip at the base subquadrangular, broadly rhombic-triangular, obtusely acuminate, 0.08 cm long, above the middle 0.07 cm wide. Column short, without rostellum; clinandrium triangular-lobed; foot short. Anther rounded-cucullate. Ovary pedicellate, clavate, c. 0.3 cm long. (After Schlechter, 1911-1914)

Colours: Flowers white.

Habitat: Epiphyte in lower montane forest; 1000 m.

Flowering time in the wild: July.

Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).

Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea. See map: 549-171M.JPG.

Cultivation: Intermediate growing epiphyte.

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