Ascoglossum Schltr.,
Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 974
Monopodial epiphytic plants. Stem elongated. Leaves many, sheathing at the base, glabrous, dorso-ventrally flattened, articulate, duplicate, leathery. Inflorescence lateral, a panicle. Flowers small, resupinate, vivid magenta. Sepals free. Petals free, similar to the dorsal sepal. Lip adnate to the column, spurred, not mobile. Column-foot absent. Pollinia 4, arranged into two masses, solid-waxy, caudicles absent, stipe present, viscidium present.
Distribution
Philippines, Moluccas, New Guinea, Solomon Islands. One, non endemic, species [Ascoglossum calopterum (Rchb.f.) Schltr.].
Habitat
Epiphytes in lowland forest.
Notes
Undoubtedly a close relative of Renanthera, from which it mainly differs in the colour of the flowers and the reflexed sepals and petals. Not as yet common in cultivation, although it certainly has more horticultural potential than most New Guinea monopodial orchids.