Ophioglossella is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Orchidaceae endemic to New Guinea.[1][2][3] The sole species is Ophioglossella chrysostoma.
Description
This species has been previously misidentified as member of the genera Sarcochilus, Pteroceras, Dryadorchis, and Grosourdya.
Ophioglossella chrysostoma Schuit. & Ormerod is a small, short-stemmed, monopodial epiphyte with nearly sickle-shaped, twisted leaves, and sparsely to many-flowered racemes. The flowers are white with additional pink colouration. The labellum is mobile and does not possess a spur. The androecium consists of four pollinia.[4]
Ecology
It occurs at elevations of 1,700–2,300 metres (5,600–7,500 ft) above sea level in montane forests.[4]
Etymology
The specific epithet of the type species chrysostoma consists of chryso-, meaning golden,[5] and -stoma meaning mouth.[6] It refers to the golden inner side of the labellum.[4]
Conservation
This species appears to be widespread, but rare and appears to have a low numbers of individuals.[4]
