Ceratostylis kaniensis Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1912) 245
Type: Schlechter 16532 (holo B, lost; iso AMES, BO, K)
Epiphytic, caespitose, small, 8-12 cm high. Rhizome very short. Roots filiform, elongated, flexuose, glabrous. Stems 4-9 cm long, 1.25-1.50 mm across, filiform, slender, at the base covered with a few lanceolate, acuminate sheaths, 1-leaved. Leaves erect-patent or erect, subulate, acute, glabrous, sulcate above, 2-4.5 cm long, as wide as the stem. Inflorescences few in a terminal fascicle, covered with ovate, acuminate scales. Sepals oblong, obtuse, glabrous, at the base sparsely puberulous, 3.5 mm long. Lateral sepals oblique, at the base dilated along the anterior margin; mentum obtuse, short. Petals obliquely linear-ligulate, acute, glabrous, a little shorter than the sepals. Lip 3.75 mm long, in basal part weakly clawed, narrowed, obovate-spathulate, obtuse, apex carnose-thickened, with three thin, parallel basal lamellae decurrent to below the apex, glabrous. Column short, arms, short, almost there times shorter than the lip; foot about equally long. Anther subreniform, glabrous, obtuse, in the middle with a large umbo. Ovary with pedicel clavate, puberulous, almost 0.3 cm long. (After Schlechter, 1911-1914).
Colours: Flower pure white.
Habitat: Epiphyte in lower montane forest. Altitude 1000 m.
Flowering time in the wild: September.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea, endemic).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea. See map: 125-70M.JPG
Cultivation: Intermediate growing epiphyte, keep in light shade.