Taeniophyllum leptorhizum Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 1030
Type: Schlechter 19387 (holo B, lost)
Epiphyte without leaves. Roots almost filiform, flexuose, slightly flattened, up to 30 cm long, 0.08-0.13 cm wide. Inflorescence subsessile, densely 15- to 20-flowered, densely verruculose. Floral bracts deltoid, much shorter than the ovary. Flowers glabrous. Sepals rather broadly lanceolate, acute, keeled outside, 0.38 cm long. Lateral sepals falcate-oblique. Petals subfalcate-lanceolate, acute, almost as long as the sepals. Lip oblongoid-concave, as long as the petals, in the apical half somewhat narrowed, at the apex apiculate, inside in the middle with a cavity, laterally on either side with an obtuse swelling; spur short, semioblong, obtuse, a third as long as the lip. Column very short; rostellum very large, curved. Anther reniform-cucullate, obtusely and shortly rostrate; pollinia obliquely obovoid. Ovary cylindrical, glabrous, 0.3 cm long. (After Schlechter, 1911-1914)
Colours: Flower white.
Habitat: Epiphyte in lowland forest; 450 m.
Flowering time in the wild: May.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea. See map: 676-113M.JPG.
Cultivation: Warm growing epiphyte.