Plants 15-30 cm tall, with small oblong tuberoids. Leaves 2-3(-4), 2 larger near base of stem, oblong-elliptic or oblong, 5-7 x 2-3 cm, above rapidly diminishing in size. Inflorescence loosely many-flowered, subsecund. Bracts lanceolate. Flowers very small, greenish, somewhat tubular. Perianth segments 3-4 mm long, spreading at their tips. Dorsal sepal ovate-lanceolate; lateral sepals obliquely linear oblong. Petals linear lanceolate, widened towards base. Labellum narrowly triangular-oblong, 3-4 mm long, shortly 3-toothed at apex. Spur saccate, c.l mm long. Ovary oval, 6-8 mm long, glabrous.

Fl. Per.: April-May.

Type: “Afghanistan”, 1862-3, Griffith 5326 (K).

Distribution: Pakistan (Kurram Valley, Northern Provinces), Kashmir eastwards to Kamaon, at lower altitudes, up to 2100 m.

In Stewart’s Catalogue the gathering Harriss 16668 from Chitral is specified as Herminium duthiei Hook.f. However this small alpine Herminium grows mainly above 3000 m, up to 4500 m in C. and E. Himalaya, flowering in July-August.