Dryadorchis
Dryadorchis is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is endemic to New Guinea.
Description
The stems are very short, and they bear subfalcate leaves. The racemose inflorescences have a swollen rhachis. They produce short-lived flowers with a long, slim column, which houses four pollinia. The unspurred labellum has a concavity in its centre.Etymology
The genus name of Dryadorchis refers to Dryad, a tree nymph or tree spirit in Greek mythology.Ecology
Dryadorchis grows epiphytically at elevations of 0-1700 m above sea level.Taxonomy
Proposed merging with other genera
It was proposed to merge this genus with Sarcochilus and Thrixspermum, which however was rejected.Species
It contains 5 known species, which are all endemic to New Guinea:- Dryadorchis barbellata Schltr.
- Dryadorchis dasystele Schuit. & de Vogel
- Dryadorchis huliorum Christenson & Schuit.
- Dryadorchis minor Schltr.
- Dryadorchis singularis Christenson & Schuit.