Thelasis micrantha

Thelasis micrantha (Brongn.) J.J.Sm., Orchid. Java (1905) 495

Basionym: Oxyanthera micrantha

Stems close together, c. 2.2 by 1 cm, laterally flattened, covered by the leaf-sheaths, with one terminal leaf and about 5 basal leaves. Leaves to 17.5 by 1.5 cm, strap-shaped, obliquely obtuse, apiculate. Inflorescences arising from the axils of the lower leaves, slender, rather densely many-flowered, to 26.5 cm long; rachis relatively short, c. 1.3 cm long, nodding. Floral bracts triangular, acute, to 0.2 cm long. Pedicel with ovary trigonous, 0.45 cm long. Flowers 0.35 cm long. Median sepal 0.3 by 0.2 cm, triangular-ovate, narrowly obtuse. Lateral sepals 0.35 by 0.2 cm, oblong-ovate, obtuse. Petals 0.25 by 0.1 cm, oblong, subobtuse. Lip 0.3 by 0.17, entire, at the base with two nectariferous depressions separated by a fleshy longitudinal rib, in the apical part grooved, with an obtuse rib on either side, apex subobtuse. Column very short, in the basal part with two downwards-pointing teeth that fit in the basal depressions of the lip; rostellum long, bifid, sharply pointed. Anther cordate, with a long and slender beak. (After Smith 1905)

Colours: Flower dull orange-brown with white tips.

Habitat: Epiphyte in lowland forest.

Flowering time in the wild: Not known.

Distribution: Malesia (Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Moluccas, New Guinea, Philippines, Riau Arch.), Thailand, ?Laos, Vietnam, Burma.

Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Indonesia). See map: 686-32M.jpg.

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