Phreatia brachyphylla Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 923
Type: Schlechter 26266 (holo B, lost)
Epiphytic, erect, very small, 3-6 cm high; roots filiform, glabrous. Stem very short, hidden by the leaf-sheaths, 4-6-leaved. Leaves subpatent, obliquely ligulate, apiculate, at the base gradually somewhat narrowed, 1-1.7 cm long, near the middle 0.3-0.4 cm wide. Inflorescence erect-patent, laxly 10-15-flowered, more than twice as long as the leaves; peduncle slender with a few small scales, usually somewhat surpassing the leaves. Floral bracts lanceolate, acuminate, slightly more than half as long as the pedicellate ovary. Flowers minute, not resupinate, glabrous. Sepals broadly ovate, subacute, c. 0.1 cm long. Lateral sepals oblique, towards the base a little dilated. Petals obliquely elliptic, obtuse, 0.08 cm long. Lip as long as the sepals; claw orbicular, somewhat concave; blade very broadly ovate-cordate, at the base on either side obtusely auriculate, apex obtusely apiculate, 0.06 cm long, at the base 0.07 cm wide. Column short; rostellum broadly triangular, bidentate; clinandrium obtusely triangular, distinctly overtopping the rostellum. Anther reniform-cucullate, umbonate; pollinia obliquely rhomboid-globose; stipe very short, linear; viscidium minute, oblong. Ovary pedicellate, glabrous, 0.25 cm long. (After Schlechter, 1911-1914)
Colours: Flowers white.
Habitat: Epiphyte in lower montane forest; 900 m.
Flowering time in the wild: September.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea. See map: 549-19M.JPG.
Cultivation: Intermediate growing epiphyte.