单唇贝母兰 dan chun bei mu lan

Rhizome creeping, 2-3 mm in diam., densely covered with scales. Pseudobulbs oblong-ellipsoid, slightly compressed trigonous, 2-4 × 0.8-1.5 cm, with 2 leaves at apex and several sheaths at base; sheaths nearly ovate, 1-2 cm. Leaf blade oblong-elliptic, 5-8 × 1.3-2.3 cm, leathery, apex acute; petiole 6-8 cm. Inflorescence heteranthous, with several equitant cylindric sheaths at base; sheaths tightly embracing lower half of inflorescence; rachis with 1 or 2 flowers opening successively, apex of rachis enclosed in several white bracts; floral bracts caducous, to 2 cm, papery; pedicel and ovary 6-8 mm. Flowers creamy yellow. Sepals and petals similar, ovate-lanceolate, ca. 20 × 6 mm; lip entire, ovate-lanceolate, ca. 20 × 7 mm, slightly fleshy; callus with 3 longitudinal lamellae extending from base to above middle, median lamella inconspicuous; lamellae purplish red, irregularly dentate. Column slightly arcuate, ca. 14 mm, both sides with narrow wings, ca. 4 mm wide; anther ovoid, ca. 3 mm wide. Fl. Dec.

● Dry and sunny rocks in mountainous areas. Hong Kong.