Pholidota articulata Lindl., Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.: 38 (1830); Pholidota articulata var. griffithii (Hook.f.) King & Pantl.; P. griffithii Hook.f.

Plants 7–17 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 5–7 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs cylindric, (2–)4–8 × 0.5–1 cm, superposed, base sheathed, sheaths ovate 1–1.5 × 0.8–1 cm, apex obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole 0.5–1.5 cm; lamina obovate-elliptic or oblong-lanceolate, 7–14 × 1.5–3 cm, apex acute. Inflorescence arising from rhizome at near base of the pseudobulb, arching; peduncle 3–11 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 2–8 cm, decurved, 3–8-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate, 10–15 × 8–10 mm, apex obtuse. Floral bracts ovate, 6–10 × 5–10 mm, apex obtuse; caducous after anthesis. Flowers whitish yellow with reddish striations on lip, 10–15 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 8–12 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal elliptic, 9–12 × 4–5 mm, apex obtuse. Lateral sepals lanceolate, 10–12 × 4–5 mm, apex acute. Petals oblong-lanceolate, 7–10 × 2 mm, apex acute. Lip broadly oblong, 10 × 8 mm; hypochile cymbiform, 7 × 6 mm, margin entire; epichile elliptic, ca. 2–4 × 2–5 mm, apex emarginate, lobules rounded ca. 2–3 × 2–3 mm, margin crisped; hypochile disk with 5 longitudinal lamellae. Column slightly arcuate, 3–4 mm, winged only at the apex. Fruit ellipsoid to obovoid-ellipsoid, 15–20 × 4 mm. 

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Assam-Burma, S Asia, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1000–2000 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or large branches, or epilithic in rock crevices in shaded forests.

Flowering: June–August. Fruiting: September–December.

Pleione corymbosa (Lindl.) Kuntze

Plants 9–15 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 3–4 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs oblong-ovoid, 2–4 × 0.6–1.3 mm, not superposed, 0.5–1 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate-lanceolate to ovate-oblong, 2–5 × 1 cm, apex acute. Leaves 2, petiole (0.5–)1–2 cm; lamina lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, 7–15(–20) × 1–3 cm, apex acute. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, arching, 8–17 cm; peduncle 3–9 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 3–5 cm, slightly curved, 2–4-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate-lanceolate, 10–40 × 5–10 mm, apex acute to acuminate. Floral bracts oblong-lanceolate, 10–25 × 10 mm, apex acute; caducous. Flowers white with 4 yellow blotches on lip, 40–50 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 20–35 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 20–35 × 6–10 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 20–30 × 6–10 mm, apex acute. Petals linear-lanceolate, 20–30 × 5–7 mm, apex acute. Lip subovate, 15–25 × 10 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes suborbicular, 10–15 × 6–10 mm, apex obtuse, margin entire; mid-lobe ovate, 5–10 × 5–10 mm, apex acute, margin entire; disk with 2–3 longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 9–20 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit obovoid, 20–40 × 10–15 mm.  

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Assam-Burma and E Asia.

Altitudinal range: 2200–2900 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on large tree trunks or epilithic on moist rocks.

Flowering: April–June. Fruiting: August–March.

Cymbidium speciosissimum D.Don; Pleione speciosissima (D.Don) Kuntze

Plants 26–27 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 3–6 mm thick, enclosed in overlapped scaly sheaths. Roots often borne at nodes near base of pseudobulbs, wiry.  Pseudobulbs ovoid or oblong, 1.5–8.5 × 1–3 cm, not superposed, 1–6 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate or ovate-lanceolate, 2–5.5 × 1 cm, apex acute to obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole (0.5–)1–2.5 cm; lamina linear-lanceolate, (5–)10–24 × (0.5–)1–2.5 cm, apex long acuminate. Inflorescence arising from rhizome at base of the pseudobulb, drooping, 6–9 cm; peduncle 14–20 cm, basal half with sheathing bracts; rachis 6–15 cm, straight, 3–7-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate, 10–25 × 5–10 mm, apex acute to obtuse. Floral bracts ovate-lanceolate, 20–50 × 7–15 mm, apex acute; caducous after anthesis. Flowers white, lamellae light yellow; 50–80 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 20–40 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 30–50 × 10–20 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 30–55 × 10–15 mm, apex acute. Petals oblong-lanceolate, 30–35 × 6–10 mm, apex obtuse. Lip ovate, 3–4 × 2–3 cm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes subovate, 2 × 1 cm, margin entire; mid-lobe broadly obovate or suboblate, 1–1.5 cm, apex obtuse or emarginate, margin entire; disk with 5 fimbriate lamellae. Column arcuate, 2–3 cm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit ovoid-oblong, 35–45 × 10–15 mm. 

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau.

Altitudinal range: 1000–2400 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or epilithic on sun-exposed rocks.

Flowering: March–April. Fruiting: May–November.

Dendrobium demissum D.Don, Prodr. Fl. Nepal.: 34 (1825); Coelogyne parviflora Lindl.; Panisea demissa (D.Don) Pfitzer

Plants 3–15 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, ca. 4 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs oblong or ovoid, (1–)15–5 × (3–)6–10 mm, not superposed, clustered or up to 3 mm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate-lanceolate, 1–2.5 × 0.5–1 cm, apex acuminate. Leaves 2 or vary rarely 3, petiole 0.5–2 cm; lamina linear-oblong, 5–10 × 0.5–1 cm, apex acute. Inflorescence arising from rhizome below the pseudobulb, drooping, (2.5–) 5–15 cm; peduncle 2–4 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 1–4 cm, straight, 4–8-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate-lanceolate, 1–2 × 3–5 mm, apex acuminate. Floral bracts ovate or ovate-oblong, 7–10 × 1.5–2 mm, apex acute; persistent. Flowers white, 10–15 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 5–15 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 8–11 × 2.5–3 mm, apex sub-acute. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 8–11 × 2.5–3 mm, apex subacute. Petals oblong, 6–7 × 2 mm, apex obtuse. Lip oblong, 8–11 × 2 mm, bent from above base, apex subacute, margin entire; disk without lamellae. Column slightly arcuate, 7–8 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit ellipsoid, 5–6 × 5 mm.   

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1500–2400 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks.

Flowering: October–November. Fruiting: December–April.

Pleione fimbriata (Lindl.) Kuntze

Plants 10–20 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 3–5 mm thick, enclosed in overlapped sheaths. Roots borne at nodes or in between nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs ovoid to oblong-cylindric, 4–9 × 1–2 cm, not superposed, 4–7 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate, 2–4 × 0.5–1 cm, apex obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole 0.5–1 cm; lamina oblong-lanceolate, 7–14 × 2.5–3.5 cm, apex acute. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, suberect, 4–15 cm; peduncle 4–9 cm, base with tubular sheathing bracts; rachis 1–5 cm, straight, 1–2 flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate-lanceolate, 15–25 × 5 mm, apex obtuse. Floral bracts lanceolate, 15–20– × 5 mm, apex acute; caducous. Flowers pale yellow, with red stripes on lip, 20–30 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 10–15 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 15–20 × 4–6 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 15–20 × 4–6 mm, apex acute. Petals linear, 25–50 × 0.5–1 mm, apex acuminate. Lip ovate, 13–30 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes subovate, 10 × 5 mm, apex obtuse, margin minutely erose; mid-lobe orbicular-elliptic, ca. 10 × 10 mm, apex obtuse, margin fimbriate; disk with 3 undulate longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 10–15 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit obovoid, 18–20 × 10 mm. 

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

 Altitudinal range: 1000–2300 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or large branches in broad-leaved forests.

Flowering: September–October. Fruiting: March–August.

Coelogyne esquirolii Schltr.; Pleione flaccida (Lindl.) Kuntze

Plants 12–33 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 6–10 mm thick, enclosed in overlapped scaly sheaths. Roots often borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs ovoid, 3.5–9 × 1–2 cm, not superposed, 2–3 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate-lanceolate, 5–7 × 1.5–2 cm, apex obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole 3–8 cm; lamina oblong-lanceolate, 13–26 × 1.5–5 cm, apex acuminate. Inflorescence arising from rhizome at base of the pseudobulb, drooping, 14–30 cm; peduncle 3–9 cm, basal half with sheathing bracts; rachis  7–20 cm, straight, 3–8-flowered. Peduncle bracts elliptic-lanceolate, 15–35 × 5–10 mm, apex acute. Floral bracts elliptic-lanceolate, 10–35 × 5–15 mm, apex acute; caducous. Flowers white with yellow and pale reddish brown striations on lip, 30–40 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 15–30 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 20–25 × 6–8 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 20–25 × 5–7 mm, apex acute. Petals linear-lanceolate, 20–24 × 2–4 mm, apex acute. Lip subovate, 15–22 × 12–16 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes subovate, 7–10 × 5–6 mm, apex obtuse, margin entire; mid-lobe suboblong, 6–7 × 4 mm, apex acute, margin wavy; disk with 3 lamellae. Column arcuate, 10–15 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit not seen.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 900–1100 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or large branches in humid, broad-leaved forests.

Flowering: April–May. Fruiting: June–May.

Otochilus fuscus Lindl., Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl. 35 (1830); Otochilus lancifolius Griff.

Plants 10–15 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 5 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs cylindric-fusiform, (1–)2–10 × 0.6–2 cm, superposed, base sheathed, sheaths ovate to lanceolate, 1.5–5 × 1 cm, apex obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole 0.5–2 cm; lamina linear-lanceolate, (6–)10–17 × 0.5–1.5 cm, apex acuminate. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, 6–14 cm, arching; peduncle 2–3 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 5–10 cm, decurved, 7–20-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate or lanceolate, 5–15 × 5 mm, apex acute. Floral bracts linear-lanceolate, 6–10 × 1–1.5 mm, apex acute; persistent. Flowers white with tinged yellow on lip, 10 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 5–7 mm, obscurely ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong, 6–7 × 2 mm, apex obtuse. Lateral sepals obliquely oblong, 7–9 × 1–1.5 mm, apex obtuse. Petals oblanceolate, 6.5–7 × 1–1.5 mm, apex obtuse. Lip oblong, 6–7 × 1–1.5 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes triangular, 1 × 1 mm, apex acute, margin entire; mid-lobe suboblong, 5–6 × 2 mm, apex acute, margin entire; disk without lamellae. Column slightly arcuate, 5–6 mm, winged at only the apex. Fruit obovoid-ellipsoid, 7–10 × 5–6 mm.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1100–1700 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks.

Flowering: Late July–August (December). Fruiting: February–April.

Pleione  fuscescens (Lindl.) Kuntze

Plants 15–20 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 5–6 mm thick, enclosed in overlapped scaly sheaths. Roots often borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs suboblong to cylindric, 2–8 × 0.7–1 cm, not superposed, 6–7 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate, 1.5–2 × 1–1.5 cm, apex obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole 1–2 cm; lamina oblong-oblanceolate, 15–23 × 5–10 cm, apex obtuse or acute. Inflorescence arising from rhizome below the pseudobulb, drooping, 12–14 cm; peduncle 5–8 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 4–6 cm, straight, 2–4-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate, 10–20 × 10 mm, apex obtuse. Floral bracts oblong-lanceolate, 20–30 × 6–8 mm, apex acute; caducous after anthesis. Flowers yellowish or yellowish-green, 30–40 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 15–20 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong, 30–40 × 8–10 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals obliquely oblong, 40 × 8–9 mm, apex acute, shortly aristate. Petals linear, 30–40 × 2–2.5 mm, apex acute. Lip ovate, 30–32 × 10–12 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes subovate, 10 × 5 mm, apex obtuse, margin entire; mid-lobe ovate, 10–15 × 10–15 mm, apex acute, margin undulate; disk with 3 undulate longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 15–20 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit ovoid-clavate, 30–40 × 10– 20 mm.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1200–1800 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or epilithic on rock crevices.

Flowering: September–October. Fruiting: November–October.

Neogyna gardneriana (Lindl.) Rchb.f.; Pleione gardneriana (Lindl.) Kuntze

Plants 30–45 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 6–8 mm thick, enclosed in sheaths. Roots borne at nodes, fibrous. Pseudobulbs ovoid to subcylindric, 7–15 × 0.7–1.5 cm, not superposed, 1.5–3 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths oblong-lanceolate, 3–7 × 1 cm, apex acuminate. Leaves 2, petiole 4–5 cm; lamina elliptic-lanceolate, 33–40 × 5–7 cm, apex acute. Inflorescence arising from base of the pseudobulbs, drooping, 15–23 cm, peduncle 10–25 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 10–19 cm, straight, 5–12-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate, 10–20 × 5–10 mm, apex obtuse. Floral bracts broadly ovate-elliptic 20–30 × 10–20 mm, apex obtuse; persistent. Flowers white with flushed light yellow on lip, 30–40 mm long. Pedicel and ovary 6–10 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal suboblong, 35–40 × 6–10 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals suboblong, 35–40 × 6–10 mm, apex acute. Petals linear, 40–45 × 3–4 mm, apex acute. Lip obovate, 30–40 × 15–25 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes subovate, 25–30 mm, obtuse-rounded, margin entire; mid-lobe subreniform, 10 × 9 mm, margin erose; disk with 2–5 longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 35–40 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit obovoid-ellipsoid, 20–30 × 10–14 mm. 

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1500–2000 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or epilithic on shaded rocks.

Flowering: September–October. Fruiting: November–May.

Pholidota imbricata Hook.f., Exot. Fl. 2: t. 138 (1825); Pholidota bracteata (D.Don) Seidenf.

Plants (6–)15–34(–56) cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 5–7 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes near base of pseudobulbs.  Pseudobulbs suboblong, (1.5–)2–5.5 × (0.5–)1–1.5 cm, not superposed, contiguous, base sheathed, sheaths ovate, 2–3.5 × 1–1.5 cm, apex obtuse. Leaf 1, petiole 1–3 cm; lamina oblong-oblanceolate or broadly oblanceolate, 7–25(–30) × 1.5–6 cm, apex acute. Inflorescence arising from rhizome below pseudobulb, (6–)20–45 cm, drooping; peduncle (4–)8–30 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis  (3–)5–16 cm, straight, up to 70-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate-lanceolate, 30–40 × 6–8 mm, apex obtuse. Floral bracts broadly ovate, conduplicate, 4–7 × 4–8 mm, apex obtuse; persistent. Flowers white with tinged red on lip, 4–5 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 3–5 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal broadly elliptic, 4–5 × 3–4 mm, apex obtuse. Lateral sepals ovate, 4–6 × 3–3.5 mm, apex subacute. Petals linear-lanceolate, 3–4 × 1 mm, apex acute. Lip saccate, 4–5 × 3–4 mm, slightly 3-lobed; lateral lobes semiorbicular, 2–3 × 2 mm, margin entire; mid-lobe suboblong, 2–4 × 3–4 mm, apex emarginate, margin slightly undulate; disk with 2–3 longitudinal lamellae. Column slightly arcuate, 3–5 mm, winged over entire length, expanded at middle. Fruit obovoid-ellipsoid, 7–10 × 6–7 mm.   

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, S Asia, E Asia, SE Asia and Australasia.

Altitudinal range: 1000–1700 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on trees or epilithic on rocks crevices.

Flowering: July–September. Fruiting: October–February.

Otochilus lancilabius Seidenf., Opera Bot. 89: 94 (1986).

Plants 8–15 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 5–7 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs cylindric to fusiform, 4–10 × 1–1.5 cm, superposed, base sheathed, sheaths ovate, 1–3 × 1 cm, apex obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole 2–3 cm; lamina elliptic-ovate, 12–16 × 4–4.5 cm, apex acuminate. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, arching; 10–15 cm; peduncle 5–7 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 5–10 cm, decurved, 3–9-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate, 5–10 × 2–5 mm, apex obtuse. Floral bracts linear, 4–6 × 3 mm, apex acute; caducous after anthesis. Flowers white, 10–15 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 10–15 cm, obscurely ridged. Dorsal sepal linear-oblong, 8–12 × 2 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals obliquely linear-oblong, 8–12 × 2 mm, apex acute. Petals linear, 8–12 × 0.5 mm, apex acute. Lip linear-lanceolate, 10–15 × 4–5 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes embracing column, triangular-ovate, 8–12 × 1–2 mm; mid-lobe oblong-lanceolate, 8–10 × 2–3 mm, margin entire, apex acuminate; disk with 3–4 longitudinal lamellae. Column slightly arcuate, 10–12 cm, winged only at the apex. Fruit subobovoid-ellipsoid, 10–15 × 5–6 mm.  

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1400–2500 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks and large branches in open forests.

Flowering: October–November. Fruiting: December–April.

Pleione longipes (Lindl.) Kuntze

Plants 15–23 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 4–5 mm thick, enclosed in overlapped sheaths. Roots borne at nodes or in between nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs subcylindric, 3–8 × 0.5–1 cm, not superposed, 2–7 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate-lanceolate, 2.5–4 × 1 cm, apex acute. Leaves 2, petiole 2–4 cm; lamina oblong-lanceolate, 8.5–17 × 2–3 cm, apex acuminate. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, erect or suberect, 11–17 cm; peduncle 6–10 cm, apex with sheating bracts; rachis 4–5 cm, straight, 3–4-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate or lanceolate, 5–10 × 4 mm, imbricate, convolute, apex obtuse. Floral bracts lanceolate, 10–12 × 2–3 mm, apex acute; caducous. Flowers white or pale yellow; ca. 20 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 6–11 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong, 8–10 × 3 mm, apex obtuse. Lateral sepals oblong, 8–10 × 2 mm, apex acute. Petals linear, 8–10 × 0.5 mm, apex obtuse. Lip ovate-oblong, 8–10 × 5 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes subovate, 4–5 × 2 mm, apex obtuse, margin entire; mid-lobe subelliptic, 4 × 3 mm, apex truncate and emarginate, margin wavy; disk with 2 longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 6–9 mm, winged over entire length, expanded apex. Fruit obovoid-oblong, 15–20 × 6 mm.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1500–2300 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks in broad-leaved forests.

Flowering: June–July. Fruiting: September–March.

Cymbidium nitidum Wall. ex D.Don, Prodr. Fl. Nepal.: 35 (1825); Coelogyne ochracea Lindl.; Pleione ochracea (Lindl.) Kuntze

Plants (6–)10–26 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 3–5 mm thick, enclosed in overlapped scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes, usually near base of pseudobulbs, wiry.  Pseudobulbs oblong-ellipsoid, 1–5 × 1–2 cm, not superposed, up to 1 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate, 1–3 × 1–1.5 cm, apex obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole 2–4 cm; lamina oblong-lanceolate, 9–25 × 1.5–4 cm, apex acute to acuminate. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, suberect, 10–21 cm; peduncle 6–12 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 5–8 cm, slightly curved, 2–6-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate-lanceolate, 10–40 × 10 mm, apex obtuse to acuminate. Floral bracts oblong-lanceolate, 10–20 × 5 mm, apex acute; caducous. Flowers white with 2 yellow blotches on lip, 30–45 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 20–30 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong, 15–30 × 7–10 mm, apex obtuse. Lateral sepals oblong, 15–30 × 6–10 mm, apex acute. Petals narrowly oblong, ca. 15–25 × 5–8 mm, apex obtuse. Lip ovate, 15–25 × 10–15 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes subobovate, 10 × 6 mm, apex obtuse, margin entire; mid-lobe elliptic, ca. 10 × 9 mm,  apex acute, margin entire; disk with 3 longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 10–14 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit obovoid, 25–30 × 10 mm. 

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Assam-Burma, S Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1300–2400 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks and epilithic on rock crevices in open forests.

Flowering: April–May. Fruiting: June–March.

Coelogyne decora Wall. ex Voigt

Plants 14–17 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 3–5 mm thick, enclosed in overlapped sheaths. Roots borne at nodes or in between nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs ovoid to oblong-cylindric, 35–40 × 6–10 mm, not superposed, 3–7 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths 4–6 × 1 cm, apex obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole ca. 1–1.5 cm; lamina oblong-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 9–15 × 1.5–3 cm, apex acute. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, suberect, 7–8 cm; peduncle 2–3 cm, base with tubular sheathing bracts; rachis 1–2 cm, straight, 1–2 flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate-lanceolate, 20 × 5 mm, apex acute. Floral bracts lanceolate, 25–30 × 5–10 mm, apex acute; caducous. Flowers yellowish green, purplish red stripes on lip; 20–30 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 10–20 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 20–30 × 6–9 mm, apex acuminate. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 20–30 × 5–7 mm, apex acuminate. Petals linear, 20–30 × 1 mm, apex acuminate. Lip suboblong-ovate, 20–30 × 15 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes subovate, 15 × 6 mm, apex obtuse, margin minutely erose; mid-lobe elliptic-ovate, 15 × 10 mm, apex obtuse, margin fimbriate; disk with 3 straight longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 10–15 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit obovoid 15–20 × 10 mm.  

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1000–1700 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or large branches.

Flowering: August–October. Fruiting: November–August.

Pholidota pallida Lindl., Edwards’s Bot. Reg. 21: t. 1777 (1835); Pholidota schlechteri Gagnep.; P. yunnanensis Schltr.

Plants 15–25 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 4–6 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes near base of pseudobulbs. Pseudobulbs ovoid, 15–40 × 5–12 mm, not superposed, contiguous, base sheathed, sheaths oblong-lanceolate, 2–5 × 1–1.5 cm, apex acute. Leaf 1, petiole 1–7 cm; lamina elliptic-oblanceolate, 12–26 × 2–7 cm, apex acute or acuminate and mucronate. Inflorescence arising from rhizome below the pseudobulb, drooping, 10–20 cm; peduncle 4–7 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 6–17 cm, straight, up to 90-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate-lanceolate, 30–50 × 8–10 mm, apex obtuse. Floral bracts broadly ovate-sagittate, conduplicate, 4–5 × 5–7 mm, apex obtuse; persistent. Flowers white with tinged red on lip, 3–4 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 2–4 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal broadly elliptic, 4–5 × 2–3 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals obliquely broadly ovate-oblong, 5–6 × 3–4 mm, apex acute. Petals ovate-elliptic, 3–4 × 2 mm, apex acute. Lip saccate, 4–5 × 3 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes ovate, 1–2 × 1 mm, margin entire; mid-lobe transversely oblong, 3 × 4 mm, apex emarginate, margin minutely undulate; disk with 2 or 3 longitudinal lamellae. Column slightly arcuate, 3–4 mm, winged over entire length, expanded at middle. Fruit subobovoid, 8–10 × 5 mm.  

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1000–1700 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks in shaded forests.

Flowering: July–August. Fruiting: October–March.

Panisea panchaseensis Subedi, Nordic J. Bot. 29: 362 (2011).

Plants 2.5–4 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 2–4 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes near base of pseudobulbs. Pseudobulbs obliquely ovoid to ellipsoid, 6–15 × 3–7 mm, not superposed, clustered or 2–15 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate, 10 × 4 cm, apex acute. Leaves 1 or 2, petiole 0.5–1.5 cm; lamina oblong-lanceolate, 2–6 × 0.5–0.7 cm, apex acute to sub-acute. Inflorescence arising from rhizome below the pseudobulb, erect or suberect, 1–3 cm; peduncle 0.5–2 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 1–1.5 cm, straight, 1–3-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate, 6–10 × 2 mm, apex acute. Floral bracts ovate-lanceolate, 5–6 × 2–2.5 mm, apex acuminate; caducous after anthesis. Flowers white, 7–10 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 10–13 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal narrowly ovate, 9–11 × 3–3.5 mm, apex obtuse. Lateral sepals narrowly ovate, 10–11 × 2.5–3.5 mm, apex subacute. Petals oblong, 9–11 × 2–2.5 mm, apex acute. Lip ovate-oblong, 10–11 × 3–3.5 mm, entire, bent from above base, margin undulated, apex obtuse; disk with 3 longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 2–4 mm, winged only at the apex. Fruit ovoid, 5–15 × 5–7 mm.

Distribution: Nepal and Assam-Burma.

Altitudinal range: 2200–2300 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks.

Flowering: November–December. Fruiting: January–May.

Otochilus porrectus Lindl., Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.: 36 (1830); Otochilus latifolius Griff.

Plants 8–18 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 4–5 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs cylindric to fusiform, 5–10 × 0.6–1.5 cm, superposed, base sheathed, sheaths ovate, 2–3 × 1–1.5 cm, apex acute. Leaves 2, petiole 1.5–3.5 cm; lamina oblong-lanceolate, 10–16 × 2–4.5 cm, acuminate. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, arching; 8–20 cm, peduncle 2–5 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 6–13 cm, decurved, 6–10-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate, 5–15 × 5 mm, apex obtuse. Floral bracts linear, 5–7 × 2–3 mm, apex acute; caducous after anthesis. Flowers white, 15–25 mm. Pedicel and ovary 10–15 mm, obscurely ridged.  Dorsal sepal linear-oblong, 11–15 × 2 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals obliquely linear-oblong, 9–12 × 2 mm, apex acute.  Petals linear, 10–14 × 0.5 mm, apex acute. Lip oblong, 3-lobed; lateral lobes embracing column, oblong, 3–4 × 1– 2 mm, margin entire; mid-lobe ovate-elliptic, 6–7 × 4–5 mm, apex acute, margin entire; disk with 3 lamellae. Column slightly arcuate, 8–10 mm, winged only at the apex. Fruit obovoid-ellipsoid, 15–20 × 5–6 mm. 

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1600–2400 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks in open forests.

Flowering: September–October. Fruiting: October–December.

Coelogyne flavida Hook.f. ex Lindl.; Pleione flavida (Hook.f. ex Lindl.) Kuntze; P. prolifera (Lindl.) Kuntze

Plants (10–)15–43 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 5–6 mm thick, enclosed in overlapped scaly sheaths. Roots often borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs narrowly ovoid-oblong, 2–7 × 1–2 cm, not superposed, 2–6 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate-lanceolate, 2–5 × 1 cm, apex acute. Leaves 2, petiole 2–3 cm; lamina oblong-lanceolate, 8–19 × 1–2.5 cm, apex acuminate. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, erect, (8–)12–35 cm; peduncle (4–)10–36 cm, apex with sheathing bracts; rachis 2.5–6 cm, straight, 3–9-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate, 5–10 × 2 mm, imbricate, convolute, apex obtuse. Floral bracts ovate-lanceolate, 10–12 × 3–4 mm, apex acute; caducous. Flowers yellowish green, 6–8 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 10–16 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong, 6–8 × 2–3 mm, apex obtuse. Lateral sepals oblong, 5–8 × 2.5–3 mm, apex acute. Petals linear, 5–7 × 1 mm, apex obtuse. Lip subovate, 6–8 × 5 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes ovate, 3 × 2 mm, apex obtuse, margin entire; mid-lobe elliptic, 4–5 × 3–4 mm, apex emarginate, margin wavy; disk with 2 longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 3–4 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit oblong, 15–20 × 5 mm. 

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1000–2300 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on trees or epilithic in rock crevices.

Flowering: June–Early July. Fruiting: August–March.

Pholidota protracta Hook.f., Hooker’s Icon. Pl. 19: t. 1877 (1889).

Plants 10–18 cm tall. Rhizome pendulous, 3–5 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs subcylindric, 2–7 × 0.4–0.5 cm, not superposed, 2–3 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate-oblong, 2–4 × 0.4–0.6 cm, apex acute. Leaves 2, petiole 0.5–1 cm; lamina oblong-lanceolate, 6–12 × 0.8–2 cm, apex acuminate. Inflorescence arising from rhizome below the pseudobulb, drooping, 1–4 cm; peduncle 1–3 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 1–2 cm, straight, 3–7-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate, 4–5 × 3–4 mm, apex obtuse. Floral bracts broadly ovate, 3–4 × 3 mm, apex obtuse; caducous after anthesis. Flowers white with pale yellow spots on epichile, 4–5 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 4–6 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal ovate-oblong, 4–5 × 2–2.5 mm, apex obtuse. Lateral sepals obliquely ovate-oblong, 4–5 × 2–2.5 mm, apex obtuse. Petals narrowly obovate, 2–3 × 1.5 mm, apex acute. Lip subovate-oblong, 3–4 × 2–3 mm; hypochile nearly cymbiform, 2–3.5 × 1.5–2.5 mm, margin entire; epichile orbicular, 1–2 × 1.5–2.5 mm, apex emarginate, margin entire; disk without lamellae. Column slightly arcuate, 2–3 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit obovoid-ellipsoid, 5–7 × 4 mm.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Assam-Burma and Tibetan Plateau.

Altitudinal range: 1400–2000 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks in broad-leaved, shady forests.

Flowering: September–October. Fruiting: November–March.

Coelogyne brevifolia Lindl.; C. ocellata Lindl.; Pleione goweri (Rchb.f.) Kuntze

Plants 10–22 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 4–6 mm thick, enclosed in overlapped scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes near pseudobulbs, wiry. Pseudobulbs not superposed, ca. 1 cm apart on rhizome, oblong or ovoid-oblong, 2–4 × 1.5–2 cm, base sheathed, sheaths ovate-oblong, 3–4 × 1.5 cm, apex obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole 1.5–2 cm; lamina lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 6–10 × 2–3.5 cm, apex acute to acuminate. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, suberect, 7–18 cm; peduncle 2–8 cm, without sheathing bracts; rachis 2–9 cm, slightly curved, 2–4-flowered. Peduncle bracts absent. Floral bracts suboblong-lanceolate, 20–25 × 4–5 mm, apex acute; caducous. Flowers white with 4 yellow blotches on lip, 30–50 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 20–30 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 20–30 × 6–10 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 20–30 × 5–10 mm, apex acute. Petals linear, 17–27 × 1–1.5 mm, apex acute. Lip ovate, 17–25 × 10–20 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes suborbicular, 10–15 × 5–10, apex rounded, margin entire; mid-lobe ovate or ovate-lanceolate, 10–12 × 5–10 mm, apex acute, margin entire; disk with 2 longitudinal dentate lamellae. Column arcuate, 10–20 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit obovoid-oblong, 15–20 × 7–9 mm.    

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Assam-Burma and E Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1300–2900 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or epilithic in rock crevices.

Flowering: October–November. Fruiting: December–June.

Pholidota recurva Lindl., Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.: 37 (1830).

Plants 10–14 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 4–6 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes, wiry. Pseudobulbs cylindric, 2–-7 × 0.5–1.2 cm, superposed, base sheathed, sheaths ovate or ovate-lanceolate, 10–15 × 5–10 mm, apex obtuse. Leaves 2, petiole 0.5–1 cm; lamina lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, 7–10 × 1–2 cm, apex acute. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, arching; 7–11 cm; peduncle 1–2 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis 6–18 cm, recurved, 20–30-flowered, secund. Peduncle bracts ovate-lanceolate, 5–10 × 5 mm, apex obtuse. Floral bracts transversely semi-elliptic, 4–7 × 5–7 mm, apex obtuse; distichous, caducous after anthesis. Flowers orange brown, 4–5 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 5–7 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong, 3–4 × 1–1.5 mm, apex obtuse. Lateral sepals ovate-oblong, 3–4 × 1.5–2 mm, apex obtuse. Petals ovate-oblong, 2–3 × 1 mm, apex obtuse. Lip oblong, 4–5 × 3 mm; hypochile cymbiform, 2–4 × 2–3.5 mm, margin entire; epichile elliptic, 1–2 × 2 mm, 2-lobed, lobes ca. 1 × 1 mm, margin wavy; hypochile disk with 3 longitudinal lamellae. Column slightly arcuate, 3–4 mm, winged only at the apex. Fruit ellipsoid to obovoid-ellipsoid, 4–5 × 4 mm.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, C Asia, S Asia, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 700–1800 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or epilithic in rock crevices.

Flowering: August. Fruiting: September–December.

Cymbidium strictum D.Don, Prodr. Fl. Nepal.: 35 (1825); Coelogyne elata Lindl.

Plants 20–30 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 7–9 mm thick, enclosed in overlapped scaly sheaths. Roots borne at nodes and axil of sheaths, wiry. Pseudobulbs oblong or ovoid, 6–9 × 2.5–4 cm, not superposed, 3–4 cm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate, 2–7 × 1–2.5 mm, apex obtuse, acute to acuminate. Leaves 2, petiole 3–5 cm; lamina suboblong, 15–26 × 2.5–5 cm, apex acute. Inflorescence arising from apex of the pseudobulb, erect, 14–22 cm; peduncle 10–17 cm, apex with convolute bracts; rachis 4.5–8 cm, straight, 3–7-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate, 10–15 × 5–7 mm, imbricate, convolute, apex obtuse. Floral bracts ovate-lanceolate, 15–20 × 3–5 mm, apex acute; caducous. Flowers white, lamellae tinged with red in apical part; 15–20 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 15–20 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal oblong, 15–20 × 7–8 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals obliquely oblong, 15–20 × 7–8 mm, apex acute. Petals oblong, 15–20 × 3–4 mm, apex acute. Lip ovate-oblong, 15–20 × 10 mm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes subelliptic, 10 × 5 mm, apex obtuse, margin dentate; mid-lobe 10 × 8 mm, apex obtuse, margin undulate-dentate; disk with 2 longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 10–12 mm, winged over entire length, expanded toward apex. Fruit not seen.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, Assam-Burma, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1400–2200 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or epilithic in rock crevices.

Flowering: April–May. Fruiting: June–March.

Panisea uniflora (Lindl.) Lindl., Fol. Orchid. 5: 2 (1854); Coelogyne biflora C.S.P Parish & Rchb.f.; Pleione uniflora (Lindl.) Kuntze

Plants 4–5 cm tall. Rhizome creeping, 3–5 mm thick, enclosed in scaly sheaths. Roots borne at entire rhizome. Pseudobulbs ovoid, 10–30 × 5–10 mm, not superposed, 3–10 mm apart on rhizome, base sheathed, sheaths ovate-lanceolate, 1–2 × 0.6–0.7 cm, apex acute. Leaves 2, petiole 0.5–1 cm; lamina linear-oblong, 5–10 × 0.5–1 cm, acute to acuminate. Inflorescence arising from rhizome below the pseudobulb, 2–4 cm, suberect; peduncle 0.5–1 cm, base with sheathing bracts; rachis absent, 1-flowered. Peduncle bracts ovate-lanceolate, 5–10 × 3–5 mm, apex acute. Floral bracts ovate, 4–6 × 3 mm, apex acute; caducous after anthesis. Flowers yellowish green with orange spots on lateral lobes, 15–25 mm across. Pedicel and ovary 10–15 mm, distinctly ridged. Dorsal sepal ovate-oblong, 15–17 × 5–6 mm, apex acute. Lateral sepals ovate-oblong, 15–17 × 5–6 mm, apex acute. Petals oblong-elliptic, 16–18 × 7 mm, apex acute. Lip obovate-elliptic, 15–20 × 10–14 cm, 3-lobed; lateral lobes oblong-lanceolate, ca. 3 × 1 mm, margin entire; mid-lobe elliptic, ca. 10–15 × 5 mm, apex obtuse, margin entire; disk with 2–3 longitudinal lamellae. Column arcuate, 7–10 mm, broadly winged. Fruit obovoid to ellipsoid, 10–20 × 10–15 mm. 

Altitudinal range: 1000–2300 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on tree trunks or epilithic on exposed rocks.

Flowering: April–June. Fruiting: July–November.