Dryadorchis
# 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 (Schuit.) Christenson & Schuit.
* Dryadorchis minor Schltr.
* Dryadorchis singularis (J.J.Sm.) Christenson & Schuit.
