Phreatia polyantha Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 917
Type: Schlechter 17432 (holo B, lost; iso AMES)
Epiphytic, erect, 16-20 cm high; roots filiform, glabrous. Stem almost lacking, 6-8-leaved. Leaves erect or suberect, obliquely linear, subacute, gradually narrowed towards the base, keeled below, 6-18 cm long, near the middle 0.6-0.8 cm wide. Inflorescence erect, densely many-flowered, elongated, including the peduncle 10-14 cm long; peduncle 3.5-5 cm long, with two fairly large clasping scales. Floral bracts somewhat recurved, acuminate, about as long as the flowers. Flowers minute, glabrous. Sepals broadly ovate, obtuse, 0.08 cm long. Lateral sepals oblique, at the base in front a little dilated. Petals obliquely elliptic, obtuse, c. 0.6 cm long. Lip at the base oblong, above the middle broadly rhombic-dilated, obtuse, 0.65 cm long, in apical fourth 0.5 cm wide. Column very short; rostellum bidentate; clinandrium low. Anther reniform-cucullate, umbonate. Ovary subsessile, cylindrical, c. 0.1 cm long. (After Schlechter, 1911-1914)
Colours: Flowers white.
Habitat: Epiphyte in lowland forest; 400 m.
Flowering time in the wild: March.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea. See map: 549-196M.JPG.
Cultivation: Warm growing epiphyte.