Octarrhena torricellensis

Octarrhena torricellensis Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 903

Type: Schlechter 20142 (holo B, lost; iso AMES, BO, L)

Epiphytic, very small, 2-3 cm high. Roots filiform, glabrous. Stem 1.5-2.5 cm high, densely leafy, entirely hidden by the leaf-sheaths. Leaves erect-patent, subulate-linear, equitant, acute, 1-1.7 cm long, c. 0.1 cm wide. Inflorescence laxly 6-10-flowered, usually a little longer than the leaves. Floral bracts ovate, acuminate, almost as long as the ovary. Flowers minute, glabrous. Sepals elliptic, obtuse, almost 0.1 cm long. Lateral sepals oblique, a little broader than the median sepal. Petals obliquely obovate, spathulate, broadly obtuse, little more than a third as long as the sepals. Lip ligulate, subacute, less than half as long as the sepals. Column short, thick; rostellum very small, bidentate. Anther reniform-cucullate, umbonate, glabrous. Ovary and pedicel c. 0.15 cm long, clavate. (After Schlechter, 1911-1914)

Colours: Flowers pale flesh colour.

Habitat: Epiphyte in lower montane forest; 700 m.

Flowering time in the wild: September.

Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea, endemic).

Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea. See map: 486-53M.JPG.

Cultivation: Intermediate growing epiphyte.

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