Ophioglossella
# Ophioglossella

Ophioglossella is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Orchidaceae endemic to New Guinea. The sole species is Ophioglossella chrysostoma.

## Description

This species has been previously misidentified as member of the genera Sarcochilus, Pteroceras, Dryadorchis, and Grosourdya. Ophioglossella chrysostoma Schuit. & Ormerod is a small, short-stemmed, monopodial epiphyte with nearly sickle-shaped, twisted leaves, and sparsely to many-flowered racemes. The flowers are white with additional pink colouration. The labellum is mobile and does not possess a spur. The androecium consists of four pollinia.

## Ecology

It occurs at elevations of 1,700–2,300 metres (5,600–7,500 ft) above sea level in montane forests.

## Etymology

The specific epithet of the type species chrysostoma consists of chryso-, meaning golden, and -stoma meaning mouth. It refers to the golden inner side of the labellum.

## Conservation

This species appears to be widespread, but rare and appears to have a low numbers of individuals.

