Poaephyllum podochiloides (Schltr.) Rolfe, Orchid Rev. 20 (1912) 300
Basionym: Eria podochiloides
Epiphyte with several stems, to 80 cm long; stems 0.4 cm wide [across the leaf-sheaths]. Leaves 3-5 by 0.4-0.5 cm, erect-patent, linear-ligulate, apex unequally bilobulate. Inflorescence lateral, half as long as the leaves, 2- to 4-flowered. Ovary clavate, glabrous, 0.3 cm long. Median sepal lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous, 0.3 cm long. Lateral sepals equally long, acuminate, obliquely ovate-triangular, glabrous, along the basal margin slightly dilated. Petals linear, obtuse, glabrous, 0.3 cm long. Lip 0.4 cm long, with concave basal part, oblong, obtuse, in basal half pubescent, at the base as well as at the apex with an oblong, obtuse callus. Column rather thick, in front pubescent; foot well developed. Anther almost square, in front slightly emarginate; pollinia arranged in two pyriform bodies. (After Schlechter, 1905)
Colours: Flower pure white [type] or greenish, sometimes tinged purple, with purple column and white lip.
Habitat: Epiphyte in lower montane forest on limestone and ultrabasic, often along brooks; 80 to 900 m.
Flowering time in the wild: April, June, September, November.
Distribution: Malesia (Borneo, New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Indonesia); Papua New Guinea. See map: 565-6M.JPG.
Cultivation: Intermediate growing epiphyte, requires shaded position.