Phreatia vaginata Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 918
Type: Schlechter 20300 (holo B, lost)
Epiphytic, erect, 11-17 cm high; roots filiform, glabrous. Stem almost lacking, 4-6-leaved. Leaves erect or suberect, linear, subacute, the very apex oblique, apiculate, somewhat fleshy, keeled below, 7-14 cm long, near the middle 0.4-0.75 cm wide. Inflorescence densely many-flowered, elongated, usually a little longer than the leaves; peduncle 4.5-6 cm long, almost entirely covered with 2-3 large, clasping scales. Floral bracts acuminate, as long as or a little longer than the flowers. Flowers minute, glabrous. Sepals very broadly ovate, obtuse, 0.08 cm long. Lateral sepals oblique, at the base in front dilated. Petals obliquely ovate, obtuse, 0.07 cm long. Lip at the base cuneate, apical part gradually very broadly rhombic, broadly obtuse, as long as the sepals, near the apex 0.06 cm wide. Column short; rostellum short, bidentate; clinandrium truncate. Anther broadly reniform-quadrangular, umbonate; pollinia obliquely obovoid, stipe linear, a little shorter than the pollinia; viscidium oblanceolate, very small. Ovary sessile, cylindrical, 0.08 cm long. (After Schlechter, 1911-1914)
Colours: Flowers greenish white.
Habitat: Epiphyte in lower montane forest; 1000 m.
Flowering time in the wild: September.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea. See map: 549-274M.JPG.
Cultivation: Intermediate growing epiphyte.