Herbs, epiphytic, 60–64 cm tall. Rhizome pendulous, creeping. Pseudobulbs ellipsoidal or oblong, 3.0–5.5 X 2.0–2.2 cm. Stems absent. Leaves 2 from apex of pseudobulb, oblong to oblong-elliptic, 9.0–18.0 X 2.2–5.0 cm, acute, leathery. Inflorescence flower solitary, terminal, arising between leaves, peduncle short, rachis absent. Floral bracts ovate-oblong, 17 X 5 mm, acute, 5-veined. Flowers yellowish brown, lip deep purple with bronze edges, profusely spotted and blotched with dark brown,7.5 cm across, pedicel and ovary 5 mm. Dorsal sepal lanceolate, 4.7 X 0.7 cm, acuminate, 10-veined. Lateral sepals lanceolate, 4.6 X 0.7 cm, broad bases, acuminate, falcate, 10-veined, mentum conical. Petals linear-lanceolate, 4.8 X 0.3 cm, acute, 5-veined. Lip 3-lobed, pandurate, 2.7 X 1.7 cm, lateral lobes short, rounded, mid-lobe sub-rhomboid, recurved, crenulate with 3 parallel mesial ridges and branching nerves extending to apex, disk with three lamellae, outer two with an erect tooth at their base, middle one shorter and toothless. Column 15 mm, foot 14 mm, foot at right angle to column. Capsule not seen.

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

Altitudinal range: 1300-2100 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: September-November.

Herbs, epiphytic, 15–56 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent.      Stems erect, slender, flattened, noded, sheathed . Leaves many, distichous, overlapping, equitant sheathing bases, lanceolate, 2.5–3.5 X 0.8–1.2 cm, acute, fleshy. Inflorescence flower solitary, axillary, peduncle attenuate, rachis absent. Floral bracts oblong, 3.5 X 2.0 mm, obtuse, 5-veined. Flowers yellowish-green with pink lines on lateral sepals, lip and mentum, boat-shaped, 10–20 mm across, pedicel and ovary 6 mm. Dorsal sepal elliptic, 5 X 4 mm, sub-acute, tip folded inward, 5-veined. Lateral sepals elliptic, 8 X 5 mm, obtuse, falcate, tip folded inward, pink spotted, 5-veined, mentum saccate. Petals broadly elliptic, 4 X 2 mm, obtuse, 5-veined. Lip obscurely 3-lobed, wedge-shaped, 12 X 4 mm, lateral lobes oblong, concave, obtuse, margin entire in the lower part, crenulate in the upper especially at broad apex, mid-lobe with a broad 2-lobed apex, disk occupied by shallow thickened depression ending near the apex. Column 2.0 mm, foot 8.0 mm. Capsule ovoid 7—9 cm.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 200-1400 m

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: April-May.

Limodorumaphyllum Roxb., Pl. Coromandel 1:34, t.41 (1795).

Herbs, epiphytic, 20–50 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent.  Stems pendulous, cylindrical, noded, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, linear-lanceolate, 4.0–6.0 X 1.5–3.0 cm, acuminate, fleshy. Inflorescences 1–3-flowered, dense, axillary racemes, pendulous, peduncle short, rachis absent.       Floral bracts ovate, 3.0 mm x 2.5 mm, acute, 1-veined. Flowers white with pale purplish red, lip pale yellow or cream at apex, purple-veined at base, 4 cm across, pedicel and ovary 3 cm. Dorsal sepal oblong- lanceolate, 2.8 X 0.8 cm, sub-acute, 5-veined. Lateral sepal oblong-lanceolate, 2.9 X 0.7 cm, sub-acute, 5-veined, mentum narrowly conical. Petals oblong-elliptic, 3.1 X 1.2 cm, obtuse, 5-veined. Lip entire, suborbicular, trumpet shaped, 3.4 X 2.6 cm, shortly clawed at base, convolute forming a tube at base, rounded, emarginate, margin fimbriate in lower part and erose at upper part, shortly ciliate on anterior half, densely pubescent on the exterior surface and along the margins except in basal part, disk hairy. Column 4.0 mm, foot 14.0 mm. Capsule clavate, obovoid, 3—6 cm.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya, SE Asia, China, Sri-Lanka and Australia.

Altitudinal range: 200-1500 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Castonopsis indica.

Flowering: April-June.

Herbs, epiphytic, 10–26 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, fusiform, noded, leaf sheathed. Leaves 2 or more in upper half of stem, distichous, elliptic-oblong to elliptic-lanceolate, 5.0–8.0 X 1.2–2.5 cm, acute, obliquely bifid, membranous. Inflorescences sub-densely 4–6-flowered lateral or subterminal racemes, capitate, peduncle 5 mm, sheathed, rachis 3–8 mm, weakly zigzag. Floral bracts ovate-oblong, 6 X 4 mm, acute, 3-veined. Flowers yellow marked with dull red spots, 10 mm across, pedicel and ovary 8 mm. Dorsal sepal broadly ovate-oblong, 9 X 6 mm, sub-acute, concave, 5-veined.  Lateral sepals triangular, 7.0 X 7.5 mm, sub-acute, concave, 5-veined, mentum urceolate. Petals broadly elliptic, 9 X 5 mm, obtuse, 5-veined. Lip 3-lobed, broadly triangular, concave, 5.0 X 4.5 mm, lateral lobes triangular, acute, erect, mid-lobe short, rectangular, truncate, disk with cushion-shaped callus. Column 1.7 mm, foot biloculate , 6.6 mm. Capsule ovoid ca. 1.4 cm.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1400-2400 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: July-August.

Herbs, epiphytic, 25–70 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems pendulous, sulcate, noded, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, ovate-lanceolate, 8.5–20.0 X 2.5–4.5 cm, acuminate, membranous. Inflorescences dense axillary racemes, 2–4-flowered, leaf opposed, peduncle 1 mm, rachis absent. Floral bracts ovate-triangular, 4.0 X 2.5 mm, acute, 1-veined. Flowers golden yellow, lip with purplish red blotch on each side at middle part, 5 cm across, pedicel and ovary 7 cm. Dorsal sepal elliptic, concave, 2.2 X 1.2 cm, obtuse, incurve apical half, 7-veined. Lateral sepals ovate-triangular obliquely, 2.2 X 1.1 cm, obtuse, apical half incurved, concave slightly, 7-veined, mentum round. Petals obovate, 2.4 X 1.7 cm, concave slightly, rounded, 7-veined. Lip entire, orbicular-oblong, concave, 2.2 X 2.4 cm (spreading), densely barbellate adaxially except at basal part, barbellate abaxially except at middle part, base with short claw, oblong callus at base, rounded, margin denticulate, disk with a broad and thick ridge extending from base to middle. Column 4.0 mm, foot 6.0 mm. Capsule ovoid-pyriform 2.5—4.5 cm.

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

Altitudinal range: 1300-2000 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Castonopsis indica.

Flowering: August-October.

Herbs, epiphytic, 25–50 cm tall. Rhizome absent.  Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, noded, striated, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, oblong-lanceolate, 10.0–14.0 X 2.0–4.0 cm, obtuse to emarginate or subacute, obliquely hooked, leathery. Inflorescences axillary racemes, 2–4-flowered, peduncle sheathed, 4–6 cm, basal sheaths 3 or 4, overlapping, tubular, longer upwards, rachis 3–10 mm. Floral bracts ovate-lanceolate, 15–20 X 4–5 mm, obtuse, 5-veined. Flowers evenly yellow with centre a darker shade, 4–6 cm across, pedicel and ovary 3.5–5.0 cm. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 2.5 X 0.9 cm, subacute, 5-veined. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 2.7 X 0.9 cm, subacute, 5-veined, mentum conic. Petals broadly elliptic, 2.5 X 1.4 cm, obtuse, 3-veined. Lip entire, suborbicular, 2.8 X 2.4 cm, sometimes with faint crimson streaks at base, clawed at base, emarginate, margin shortly fimbriate, minutely pubescent on adaxial side, disk minutely pubescent to tomentose on adaxial side. Column 8.0 mm, foot 3.0 mm. Capsule not seen.

Herbs, epiphytic, 14–20 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems pendulous, noded, scarious sheaths along old parts. Leaves 4–8, distichous, linear-lanceolate, 5.5–10.0 X 1.0–1.6 cm, acuminate, sub-leathery. Inflorescences axillary racemes, 2- or 3-flowered, peduncle 3 mm, rachis absent. Floral bracts ovate, 4 X 2 mm, acute, 1-veined. Flowers white with pale purplish-pink above middle, lip yellow below middle, 2.5 cm across, pedicel and ovary 3.5 cm. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 14 X 7 mm, obtuse, spotted, 5-veined. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 15 X 6 mm, obtuse, spotted, 5-veined, mentum sub-globose. Petals obovate, 15 X 9 mm, obtuse, spotted, 5-veined. Lip entire, orbicular or broadly obovate with a narrow and slightly convoluted lower part ending into claw, 14 X 11 mm, base with incurved sides, retuse, margin slightly wavy, ciliolate and glandular papillose, disk with a transverse ridge at claw. Column 2.5 mm, foot 3.5 mm. Capsule ovoid 1.5—2 cm.

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

Altitudinal range: 600-1400 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Shorea robusta.

Flowering: April-May.

Herbs, epiphytic, ca. 20 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, fusiform, noded, sheathed. Leaves 10–12, distichous, obtuse-acute, 4.0–6.0 X 1.0–1.2 cm, acute, notched unequally, membranous. Inflorescence terminal or axillary racemes, 16–20-flowers per rachis, peduncle 10–15 mm, rachis 3–4 cm. Floral bracts triangular, 4 X 1 mm, acute, 3-veined. Flowers sepals and petals creamy with light greenish tinge, lip and lobes red-lined, 10 mm across, pedicel and ovary 4 mm. Dorsal sepal lanceolate, 8 X 2 mm, acuminate, 3-veined. Lateral sepals ovate-lanceolate, 8.0 X 2.5 mm, acute, obliquely curved, 5-veined, mentum spur-like. Petals oblong-lanceolate, 7.0 X 1.5 mm, acute, 3-veined. Lip 3-lobed, oblong-ovate at middle, 6 X 3 mm, lateral lobes expanded with triangular front, acute, margin entire, mid-lobe obovate, acute, margin crenulate slightly to wavy, incurved, disk with 3 keels from base to apex. Column 2.5 mm, foot 4.5 mm.  Capsule not seen.

Distribution: Nepal and E Himalaya.

Altitudinal range: 1500-2000 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Shorea robusta.

Flowering: October-November.

Herbs, epiphytic or lithophytic, 40–65 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, robust, cylindrical, pencil thin, noded, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, ob-lanceolate, 8.5–12.0 X 1.5–2.5 cm, obtuse, notched, leathery. Inflorescence subterminal racemes, stiffly arching, 3-7-flowers per rachis, peduncle 15–20 mm, several tubular membranous sheaths, rachis 7–12 cm. Floral bracts oblong, 20 X 6 mm, acute, 7-veined.  Flowers orange yellow with dark purple reniform patch in the centre on adaxial surface of lip, 4–5 cm across, pedicel and ovary 2–4 cm. Dorsal sepal oblong, 18 X 10 mm, acuminate, 7-veined. Lateral sepals oblong, 2.2 X 0.8 cm, acuminate, sub-falcate, 5-veined, mentum rounded. Petals broadly ovate, 2.5 X 1.2 cm, obtuse, 3-veined. Lip entire, orbicular, narrow lower part, spreading in anterior part, 2.2 X 2.0 cm, convolute in basal part, retuse, margin undulate and fimbriate, adaxial surface tomentose, abaxial surface slightly raised in middle, disk with claw at base. Column 5.0 mm, foot 4.0 mm.  Capsule not seen.

Distribution: Nepal, E Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 600-2500 m.

Ecology: On rocks.

Flowering: May-June.

Herbs epiphytic, 20–40 cm tall. Rhizome absent.  Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, fusiform, quadrangular, 7–12-noded, each node up to half covered with white sheath. Stems erect, fusiform, quadrangular, 7–12-noded, each node up to half covered with white sheath. Leaves 3–5 at apex, subterminal, persistent, ovate-lanceolate, narrowed at base, 10.0–16.0 X 2.0–3.5 cm, acute, leathery. Inflorescence densely many-flowered having pineapple-like appearance axillary racemes at apex of stem, pendulous, peduncle 4.0 cm, sheaths 2 or 3, rachis 10–12 mm. Floral bracts oblong, 19 X 10 mm, obtuse, twisted, 7-veined. Flowers pale yellow with orange yellow lip, 2.5–4.0 cm across, pedicel and ovary 2.5–3.0 cm. Dorsal sepal ovate-oblong, 20 X 11 mm, obtuse, 7-veined. Lateral sepals oblong-elliptic, 2.1–2.4 X 1.0–1.2 cm, obtusely acute, 7-veined, mentum slightly rounded. Petals ovate-orbicular, 15–20 X 13–16 mm, obtuse, shortly clawed, 7-veined. Lip entire, orbicular-rhomboid, 2.2 X 2.1 cm, convolute in basal half, spreading in apical half, retuse, margin lacerate, surface glandular pubescent, disk with claw at base. Column 4.0 mm, foot 5.0 mm. Capsule clavate 3.5–4.5 cm.

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

Altitudinal range: 900-1500 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: April-May.

Herbs epiphytic, 15–25 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems suberect, terete, noded, sheaths tubular. Leaves 3–8, distichous, linear-oblong, 6.0–10.0 X 1.0–1.5 cm, acute to subacute, membranous. Inflorescence 8–many-flowered axillary racemes, leaf-opposed, peduncle 2.5–3.0 cm, rachis 5–7 cm. Floral bracts lanceolate, 3.0 X 1.5 mm, acute, 1-veined. Flowers creamy to pale green, lip with radiating red-purple lines, crescent-shaped in bud, 10–20 mm across, pedicel and ovary 6–9 mm. Dorsal sepal linear-lanceolate, 12 X 2.5 mm, acuminate, 3-veined. Lateral sepals lanceolate-triangular, 12 X 4 mm, acuminate, falcate, 5-veined, mentum broadly conical. Petals linear-lanceolate, 13.0 X 1.2 mm, acuminate, 3-veined. Lip 3-lobed, obovate, 10 X 5 mm, decurved at base, sub-quadrate at base (when spread out), lateral lobes long, narrow, acute, margins saw toothed-lacerate, mid-lobe strongly recurved, obovate, acute, margins serrate-crisped, disk with obscurely 3-ridges with a triangular apex ending at mid-lobe. Column 3.0 mm, foot curve, hispid 6.0 mm. Capsule not seen.

Distribution: Nepal and E Himalaya.

Altitudinal range: 1000-2200 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: August-September.

Herbs epiphytic or lithophytic, 7–23 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, tapering from base to apex, noded, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, linear-lanceolate, 4.0–7.0 X 0.3–0.6 cm, obtuse, emarginate, oblique, membranous.  Inflorescence 7–10-flowered lateral and terminal racemes, leaf opposed, peduncle 2.5–3.0 cm, rachis 3–10 cm. Floral bracts ovate-lanceolate, 4.0 X 1.5 mm, acuminate, 1-veined. Flowers light greenish-white spotted with dull purple, crescent-shaped in bud, 15 mm across, pedicel and ovary 7 mm. Dorsal sepal lanceolate, 12 X 2.5 mm, acuminate, 5-veined. Lateral sepals lanceolate, 12 X 3 mm, acuminate, falcate, 5-veined, mentum broadly conical. Petals linear-lanceolate, 11.0 X 1.8 mm, acute, lying parallel above column, 3-veined. Lip 3-lobed, oblong-ovate (when spread), 8 X 7 mm, concave, curved from narrow bases, lateral lobes elongate, narrow, acute, margin pectinate-serrate, mid-lobe shorter than lateral lobes, orbicular, recurved,acute, margin undulate, disk with a central crest running from base to apex. Column 2.5 mm, foot 6.0 mm. Capsule not seen.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1500-2100 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Berberis sp.

Flowering: September-October.

Herbs, epiphytic or lithophytic, 55–70 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, arching or pendulous, cylindrical or somewhat fusiform above base, noded, sheathed. Stems erect, arching or pendulous, cylindrical or somewhat fusiform above base, noded, sheathed.Leaves many, distichous, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 12.5–14.0 X 1.4–3.5 cm, acute sometimes slightly bilobed or acuminate, leathery. Inflorescence 6–12-flowered axillary racemes, peduncle 2.0 cm, sheathed, basal sheaths several, overlapping, tubular, rachis 5–8 cm. Floral bracts ovate-triangular, 4.0 X 3.0 mm, acute, 5-veined. Flowers deep orange-yellow with a dark purple blotch on the disk, base of lip with purple-red stripes on both sides, 4.0–7.5 cm across, pedicel and ovary 2.5–3.0 cm. Dorsal sepal elliptic-oblong, 2.4 X 1.0 cm, obtuse, 5-veined. Lateral sepals ovate-lanceolate, 2.4 X 1.0 cm, obtuse, 5-veined, mentum rounded. Petals oblong-elliptic, 2.4 X 1.5 cm, obtuse, margin slightly erose, 5-veined.  Lip entire, sub-orbicular, 3.0 X 2.2 cm, rounded, margin plumose-fimbriate, undulate, disk shortly clawed, densely pubescent adaxially. Column 4.0 mm, foot broad, base nectary, 4.0 mm. Capsule ovoid 4—4.5 cm.

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

Altitudinal range: 500-1000 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: April-May.

Herbs epiphytic, 18–21 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, terete, young stems clothed in fine black hairs, noded, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, oblong-elliptic, 5.5–8.0 X 2.0–2.8 cm, obtuse, unequally notched, leathery. Inflorescence 1–5- flowered terminal or lateral racemes borne near stem apex, peduncle 4.0–4.5 cm, sheaths funnel shaped, rachis absent. Floral bracts ovate, 5.0 X 2.0 mm, subacute, sheathing, 5-veined. Flowers white with central yellow band on lip, 8–12 cm across, pedicel and ovary 5.5 cm. Dorsal sepal elliptic-oblong, 4.2 X 1.2 cm, subacute, slightly concave, 7-veined. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 4.0 X 1.6 cm, acuminate, sub-falcate, keeled, 7-veined, mentum conical. Petals obovate, 5.0 X 3.3 cm, truncate, cuspidate, margin undulate, 7-veined. Lip 3-lobed, broadly ovate, 6.0 X 3.5 cm, lateral lobes small, rounded, obtuse, margin entire, mid-lobe dilated, orbicular, retuse, apiculate, minutely mucronate at apex, margin undulate, disk with two yellow tuberculate central ridges. Column 8.0 mm, foot 17.0 mm. Capsule ovoid 2.5—3 cm.       

Distribution: Nepal, SE Asia, and S Asia.

Altitudinal range: 500-1000 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Shorea robusta.

Flowering: June.

Herbs, epiphytic, 21–29 cm tall. Rhizome pendulous, creeping, noded, sheathed. Pseudobulbs borne on nodes at irregular distances, narrowly fusiform, compressed grooved, 3.5–5.0 X 1.3–1.5 cm. Stem absent. Leaf 1, terminal on pseudobulb, ovate-lanceolate, 14.0–16.0 X 2.0–2.5 cm, acute, emarginate, leathery. Inflorescence 1–2-flowered terminal raceme borne at apex of pseudobulb, peduncle 10 mm, sheaths upto 8 mm, overlapping, rachis absent. Floral bracts triangular, 1.0 X1.2 mm, acute, 1-veined. Flowers white with pink-purple spots, 20 mm across, fugacious, pedicel and ovary 6 mm. Dorsal sepal elliptic-oblong, 13 X 4 mm, subacute, 5-veined. Lateral sepals oblong-elliptic, 14 X 5 mm, subacute, 5-veined, mentum conical. Petals oblong, 11 X 2 mm, subacute, 3-veined. Lip 3-lobed, oblong-obovate, 13 X 6 mm, lateral lobes oblong, truncate, margins erose-crisped, mid-lobe broadly oblong-elliptic, truncate, margins undulate, disk with two plicate lamellae extending from hypochile to epichile. Column 2.0 mm, foot 3.0 mm. Capsule ovoid ca. 2 cm.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 500-1600 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Syzygium cumini.

Flowering: May-June.

Herbs, epiphytic or lithophytic, 42–46 cm tall. Rhizome pendent, creeping, noded, with overlapping sheaths. Pseudobulbs borne on rhizome at distances of 5.0–8.0 cm, cylindric-ovoid, 3.0–4.0 X 0.8–1.2 cm, 3-4 scarious sheaths. Stem absent. Leaves 2 at pseudobulb apex, elliptic-lanceolate, 7.5–9.0 X 1.7–2.0 cm, obtuse, notched at apex, leathery. Inflorescence flower solitary, terminal, in between leaves, peduncle 3–4 mm, rachis absent. Floral bracts ovate-lanceolate, 10 X 5 mm, acute, 5-veined. Flowers purplish-brown, 4.5–5.0 cm across, pedicel and ovary 2.5–3.0 cm. Dorsal sepal ovate-lanceolate, 2.8 X 0.8 cm, acuminate, 10-veined. Lateral sepals ovate-lanceolate, 2.8 X 1.0 cm, broad bases, acuminate, slightly falcate, 10-veined, mentum saccate. Petals linear-lanceolate, 2.7 X 0.3 cm, acute, 5-veined. Lip 3-lobed, ovate-oblong in outline, 18 X 16 mm, lateral lobes oblong, obtuse, margin undulate, mid-lobe sub-orbicular, emarginate to mucronate, margin undulate, disk with 3 serrate lamellae between lateral lobes, middle lamella shorter. Column 7.0 mm, foot 9.0 mm.  Capsule ridged ca. 5 cm.             

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya and E Asia.

Altitudinal range: 600-1800 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Castonopsis sp.

Flowering: March-April.

Herbs, epiphytic, 25–48 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems pendulous, cylindrical, slightly zigzag, noded, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, ovate-lanceolate, 9.0–19.0 X 2.0–4.0 cm, acute, leathery. Inflorescence lateral racemes, apical on old leafless stem, pendulous, 6-12-flowers per rachis, peduncle 10–20 mm, basal sheaths 4-5, tubular, overlapping, rachis 9–13 cm.Floral bracts lanceolate, cymbiform, 5–7  X 2–3 mm, acute, 5-veined. Flowers orange yellow, disk with a rounded deep purple blotch on each side, 3–4 cm across, pedicel and ovary ca. 4.7 cm. Dorsal sepal elliptic, 16 mm x 10 mm, obtuse, slightly incurved, 5-veined. Lateral sepal oblong, 16 X 9 mm, obtuse, slightly incurved, 5-veined, mentum sub-globose. Petals broadly ovate or nearly elliptic, 17 X 13 mm, emarginate, margin slightly undulate, 5-veined. Lip entire, sub-reniform, 15 X 17 mm, emarginate, margin fimbriate, disk with papillary hairs with on both sides, clawed at base. Column 4.0 mm, foot 4.0 mm.  Capsule ovoid ca. 5 cm.             

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

Altitudinal range: 900-2000 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: June-July.

Herbs, epiphytic, 15–25 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect or pendent, clavate, ribbed, swollen at nodes tapering towards base, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, narrowly oblong–lanceolate,7–12 X 1–2 cm, subacute, leathery. Inflorescence 2–4-flowered lateral racemes arising from nodes at apical part of old leafless stem, peduncle 4 mm, rachis absent. Floral bracts ovate, convolute, 6 X 4 mm, obtuse, 3-veined.  Flowers creamy yellow, lip yellow with reddish purple striations, 4–6 cm across, pedicel and ovary 2.5 cm. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 2.8 X 0.7 cm, subacute, 5-veined. Lateral sepal lanceolate, 2.8 X 0.7 cm, acute, 7-veined, mentum conical. Petals ovate-lanceolate, 2.8 X 1.0 cm, acute, 5 main veins, many secondary veins. Lip entire, trowel-shaped, 2.8 X 1.6 cm, side of base convolute, acute, margin undulate, decurved, disk clawed, papillose-pubescent. Column 4.0 mm, foot 9.0 mm. Capsule obconical 2.5—3.5 cm.

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

Altitudinal range: 900-2200 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Quercus glauca.

Flowering: March-April.

Herbs, epiphytic, 13–36 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, weakly flexuous, covered by short coarse deciduous black hairs, noded, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, linear-lanceolate, 4.0–6.0 X 0.7–1.6 cm, obliquely acute, leathery, slightly hairy on both surfaces. Inflorescence1–3-flowered axillary racemes arising from apical nodes of leafless stem, peduncle 5 mm, rachis absent. Floral bracts ovate-lanceolate, 15 X 5 mm, acute, hairy abaxially, 5-veined. Flowers white with orange yellow veins in lip, lateral or terminal, 3.0–4.5 cm across, waxy, pedicel and ovary 2.5 cm. Dorsal sepal ovate-lanceolate, 2.5 X 0.7 cm, acuminate, keeled, 7-veined. Lateral sepals lanceolate, 5.5 X 1.0 cm, acuminate, keeled, 7-veined, mentum funnel shaped. Petals linear-lanceolate, 2.5 X 0.5 cm, acute, 3-veined. Lip 3-lobed, rhomboic, broadly triangular when spread out, 5.1 X 2.3 cm, lateral lobes rounded, boldly nerved with broad erose apices, truncate, margin slightly wavy, mid-lobe small, sub-orbicular, obtuse, margin fimbriate, disk with a broad central ridge from base to apex dividing into 3 or 4 branches. Column 4.0 mm, foot 28 mm. Capsule not seen.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1300-2900 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Quercus semicarpifolia.

Flowering: September-November.

Epidendrum moniliforme L., Sp. Pl. 2:954 (1753).

Herbs, epiphytic, 15–25 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, cylindrical, flexuous, noded, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, lanceolate, 3.5–8.0 X 0. 5–1.3 cm, obtuse, obliquely bifid, membranous. Inflorescence 1–3-flowered lateral racemes, peduncle 3 mm, rachis 9 mm, weakly zigzag. Floral bracts ovate, 6 X 3 mm, acute, 3-veined. Flowers white, lip with yellowish green spot, 2.0–2.5 cm across, pedicel and ovary 12 mm. Dorsal sepal lanceolate, 15 X 5 mm, acute, 5-veined. Lateral sepals broadly lanceolate, 16 X 6 mm, acute, sub-falcate, 5-veined, mentum rounded. Petals ovate-lanceolate, 16 X 7 mm, acute, 5-veined. Lip 3-lobed, oblong-lanceolate, 15 X 9 mm, lateral lobes rounded, short, incurved near the middle, rounded, margin entire, slightly wavy, glabrous, mid-lobe ovate-elliptic, abruptly acute, 3-veined, margin entire, disk with an elongated callus extended 5.0 mm from base. Column 4.0 mm, foot 7.0 mm. Capsule not seen.

Distribution: Nepal and E Himalaya.

Altitudinal range: 1700-2500 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: April-May.

Caespitose herbs, epiphytic or lithophytic, 4–10 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulbs erect, becoming narrower from base, cylindrical. Stem absent. Leaves 3-4 at apex of pseudobulb, distichous, linear lanceolate, 2.5–3.0 X 0.4–0.6 cm, obtuse, thinly leathery. Inflorescence 3–8-flowered terminal racemes from upper part of leafy pseudobulb of current year, peduncle 15 mm, rachis 2.5 cm. Floral bracts narrowly ovate, 3.5 X 2.0 mm, acute, 1-veined. Flowers white with purplish red stripes, 15 mm across, pedicel and ovary 6 mm. Dorsal sepal lanceolate, 10 X 2 mm, acuminate, 3-veined. Lateral sepals lanceolate, 9.0 X 3.5 mm, acute, falcate, 5-veined at base, 3-veined at apex, mentum conic. Petals linear-lanceolate, 8.0 X 1.5 mm, acuminate, 3-veined. Lip 3-lobed, subelliptic, 0.8 X 4.5 cm, shortly clawed, lateral lobes erect, rounded, acuminate, margin deeply irregularly inciso-serrate, mid lobe ovate triangular, acute, margin undulate, disk with 3 lamellate ridged projections in central part extending from base of hypochile to mid of epichile, apex irregular, orbicular, triangular. Column 3.0 mm, foot 5.0 mm.  Capsule not seen.

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

Altitudinal range: 1700-2200 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: July-August.

Epidendrum moschatum Banks, Account Embassy Kingd. Ava: 478 (1800).

Herbs, epiphytic, 78–150 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent.    Stems erect to pendulous, stout, ribbed, terete with many nodes, apical half bearing leaves, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, ovate-lanceolate or oblong, 7.5–15.0 X 1.5–6.0 cm, acuminate, leathery. Inflorescence 8–12-flowered lateral racemes arising near the apex of leafy or leafless stem, pendulous, peduncle 35–50 mm, sheaths 3-5, tubular, rachis 16–26 cm. Floral bracts lanceolate, 15 X 7 mm, obtuse, 5-veined. Flowers pale yellow with purplish brown blotches on either side of disk, 6.5–7.0 cm across, musk like fragrance, pedicel and ovary 5.0 cm. Dorsal sepal oblong, 3.2 X 1.6 cm, obtuse, 7-veined. Lateral sepals oblong, 3.2 X 1.6 cm, acute, 7-veined, mentum conic. Petals broadly ovate, 3.5 X 1.8 cm, obtuse, 7-veined. Lip entire, sub-globular or calceolate, 3.0 X 1.7 cm, pubescent adaxially, glabrous abaxially, rounded, margin cucullate, involute and fimbriate, 7-veined, disk with purplish brown blotches on either side. Column 4.0 mm, foot 6.0 mm, widened towards lower end. Capsule ovoid-pyriform 3—3.8 cm.              

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

Altitudinal range: 200-1200m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: May-July.

Herbs, epiphytic, 25–40 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, slightly compressed, narrowed at base, many noded, older stem covered with tubular leaf sheaths. Leaves many, distichous, oblong, 8.0–13.0 X 1.5–2.5 cm, obtuse, obliquely notched, leathery. Inflorescence 2–4-flowered lateral raceme arising from nodes of leafy and leafless stem, peduncle 5–15 mm, rachis absent. Floral bracts ovate-oblong, 5–9 X 4–6 mm, obtuse, 5-veined. Flowers white at base gradually becoming mauve above, lip with large purple blotch at adaxial side, 6–7 cm across, waxy, pedicel and ovary 3.5–4.0 cm. Dorsal sepal oblong-lanceolate, 3.1 X 0.9 cm, obtuse, 7-veined. Lateral sepals oblong-lanceolate, 3.2 X 0.8 cm, base oblique, acute, margin incurved slightly, 7-veined, mentum conical. Petals broadly elliptic, 3.5 X 2.0 cm, obtuse, margin slightly incurved, 7-veined. Lip entire, ovate-oblong, upper half cucullate, lower half incurved, 3.5 X 2.2 cm, obtuse, margin entire, slightly ciliate, densely pubescent on both surfaces, disk shortly clawed. Column 5.0 mm, foot 4.0 mm. Capsule not seen.    

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 400-1500 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Schima wallichii.

Flowering: April-May.

Herbs, epiphytic and lithophytic, 20–28 cm tall. Rhizome pendulous, creeping, noded, sheathed. Pseudobulbs narrowly fusiform, compressed or terete, grooved, 3.5–5.0 X 1.0–2.0 cm. Stem absent. Leaf solitary, at apex of pseudobulb, oblong-elliptic, 10.0–20.0 X 3.0–5.0 cm, acute, bifid, leathery. Inflorescence 1–3-flowered terminal racemes borne at apex of pseudobulb at base of leaf, peduncle 14 mm, sheaths overlapping, rachis absent. Floral bracts triangular, 3.0 X 3.5 mm, acute, 1-veined. Flowers milky yellow tinged with purplish red spots, lip whitish, with purple red spots on lateral lobes, yellowish white central lamellae, 25 mm across, short-lived, pedicel and ovary 17 mm. Dorsal sepal ovate-lanceolate, 9.0 X 2.5 mm, acuminate, rolled inside, 5-veined. Lateral sepals ovate-lanceolate obliquely, 9.0 X 2.5 mm, acuminate, 5-veined, mentum conical. Petals oblong-elliptic, 9 X 2 mm, subacute, rolled inside, 3-veined. Lip 3-lobed, subovate, 15 X 8 mm at middle, base narrowed and connate, crisped, lateral lobes erect, subovate, rounded, margin entire, mid-lobe flabellate, subtruncate, margin undulate, disk with 2 or 3 lamellae extending from base to apex of mid-lobe, lamellae crisped to apical half. Column 4.0 mm, foot 7.0 mm. Capsule not seen.

Distribution: Nepal, S Asia and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 500-2400 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Syzygium cumini.

Flowering: April-June.

Herbs, epiphytic, 10–25 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems pendulous, cylindrical, many noded, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, broadly oblong, 7.0–10.0 X 2.0–3.0 cm, obtuse, unequally bifid, membranous. Inflorescence 1–3-flowered lateral raceme arising from leafless old stem, peduncle 2 mm penetrating 2 boat-shaped sheaths, rachis absent. Floral bracts ovate, 8 X 5 mm, obtuse, 1-veined. Flowers pinkish-purple, lip pinkish yellow at apex, white at base, disk with purple veins, 6.0 cm across, pedicel and ovary 2.0–2.5 cm. Dorsal sepal lanceolate, 2.2 X 0.6 cm, subacute, 5-veined. Lateral sepals lanceolate, 2.3 X 0.5 cm, base oblique, subacute, 5-veined, mentum rounded. Petals oblong, 2.2 X 0.4 cm, obtuse, 5-veined. Lip entire, broadly obovate, 2.5 X 2.0 cm, convolute towards base, rounded, margin denticulate, both surfaces densely pubescent, disk with short claw, calli at base, 3 ridges running from base to apex. Column 4.0 mm, foot 5.0 mm. Capsule not seen.           

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

Altitudinal range: 400-1400 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Syzygium cumini.

Flowering: March-April.

Herbs, epiphytic, 2–5 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulbs erect, cylindric-conical, narrowed towards apex, sheathed. Stem absent. Leaves 1–3, at apex of pseudobulb, linear-oblong, 2.5–5.0 X 0.5–0.8 cm, obtuse with obliquely notched in some leaves, membranous. Inflorescence solitary terminal racemes from pseudobulb, 7-12 flowers per rachis, peduncle 3 cm, rachis 4–5 cm. Floral bracts lanceolate, 2.0–4.0 X 1.0–1.2 mm, acuminate, 1-veined. Flowers pale yellow green with red veins, lip purplish brown with yellowish green margin, 8–10 mm across, pedicel and ovary 7 mm. Dorsal sepal lanceolate, 6.0 X 1.5 mm, obtuse, 3-veined. Lateral sepals lanceolate, 8 X 2 mm, obtuse, sub-falcate, 3-veined, mentum obliquely rounded. Petals oblong-lanceolate, 5 X 1 mm, acute, 3-veined. Lip entire, elliptic, 4.0 X 2.5 mm, decurved from base, subacute, margin entire, weakly undulate, disk with 3 obscure ridges of variable lengths from slightly depressed base to apex. Column ca. 1.0 mm, foot 1.4 mm. Capsule not seen.

Distribution: Nepal, E Himalaya and SE Asia.

Altitudinal range: 1800-2500 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Rhododendron arboreum.

Flowering: July-August.

Sarcopodium rotundatum Lindl., Fol. Orchid. 2: 2 (1853).

Herbs, epiphytic, 40–48 cm tall. Rhizome pendent, creeping, noded, sheathed. Pseudobulbs narrowly ovoid, curved, 2.5–5.0 X 1.5–2.0 cm, covered by 3 scarious basal sheaths. Stem absent. Leaves 2 from apex of pseudobulb, elliptic-oblong, 4.0–14.0 X 1.2–2.8 cm, retuse, leathery. Inflorescence flower solitary, arising in between leaves, peduncle 5 mm, rachis absent. Floral bracts ovate, 10 X 6 mm, acute, 5-veined.  Flowers pale yellowish brown, lip yellow with brown spots, 2.0–3.5 cm across, pedicel and ovary 2.5 mm. Dorsal sepal ovate-lanceolate, 3 X 1 cm, acute, 7-veined. Lateral sepals ovate, 2.8 X 1.3 cm, acute, sub-falcate, 7-veined, mentum rounded. Petals oblong-lanceolate, 3.0 X 0.8 cm, acuminate, 7-veined. Lip 3-lobed obovate-oblong, 19 X 12 mm, lateral lobes subovate, obtuse, margin slightly undulate, mid-lobe sub-reniform to obscurely bilobed, emarginate, margin thin, undulate, adaxially with a triangular thickened keel, disk with 3 lamellae, median much shorter. Column 11.0 mm, foot 9.0 mm. Capsule not seen.

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

Altitudinal range: 1300-2500 m.

Ecology: Epiphytic on Rhododendron arboreum.

Flowering: March-May.

Herbs, epiphytic, 24–40 cm tall. Rhizome absent. Pseudobulb absent. Stems erect, terete, swollen at nodes, sheathed. Leaves many, distichous, linear-lanceolate, 5.0–11.0 X 1.5–2.0 cm, recurved, acute and oblique, membranous. Inflorescence 2–3-flowered axillary raceme emerging from hyaline bracts with short lived at nodes of old leafless stem, peduncle 1 mm, rachis absent. Floral bracts lanceolate, 11 X 7 mm, acute, 5-veined. Flowers white flushed with purple, lip white, flushed with purple at apical lobe, disk with purple patch, many streaks of purple on convulate sides, 3–5 mm across, pedicel and ovary 3.5 cm. Dorsal sepal lanceolate, 3.2 X 0.5 cm, obtuse, 5-veined. Lateral sepals lanceolate, 3.3 X 0.5 cm, acuminate, 5-veined, mentum conical. Petals oblong, 3.3 X 1.3 cm, obtuse, 5-veined.  Lip 3-lobed, broadly elliptic-obovate, 3.6 X 1.8 cm, clawed at base, convolute at apex, minutely emarginate, margin fimbriate, lateral lobes broad, convolute, rounded, margin erose, mid-lobe suborbicular, acute, margin undulate, upper surface pubescent, disk hairy with 3 distinct central veins running from base to apex.Column 4.0 mm, foot 10.0 mm. Capsule ovoid 1.5—2.5 cm.