Author and derivation of genus name: From the Greek acris (locust) opsis (resembling).

Type species: Acriopsis javanica Reinw ex. Blume. = A. liliifolia (Koen.) Ormd. et Seiden.

Characteristics of genus: The typical onion-shaped pseudobulbs are less than 5 cm tall, and bear 2 leaves three to five inches long. Branching aerial roots are white. The minute flowers are intricately constructed and are borne on simple or branching inflorescences more than a foot long. One species is very common in our tropical lowlands, Acriopsis javanica Schltr.

Number of sections and/or subsections in genus: none

Number of species in New Guinea: One species, Acriopsis javanica is very common in our tropical lowlands.

View photo: Acriopsis javanica

Species line drawing: Acriopsis javanica Reinw. ex Blume

Key to Illustration: A - Plant habit and inflorescence, to 4 cm scale. B - Flower, front view, to 5 mm scale. C - Flower, side view, to 3 mm scale.

Habitat: Widespread throughout Papua New Guinea, these plants are quite common in old rubber plantations growing half way up the side of trees. The species prefers open, partially sunny locations. they are plants of the tropical lowlands.

Conservation status: There appears to be no need for specific conservation efforts at this time. The species is capable of prolific reproduction by seed, colonising rotting wooden sections of house roofs and gutters, cross supports of metal powerline poles, rotting posts and tree stumps, coconut husk in gardens and living trees with coarse or papery bark, it has also been seen as a lithophyte. Due to the minuteness of the flowers it is not an attractive plant to collect.