Derivation of genus name: Greek a (without) glossa (tongue) rhynchos (beak or snout).

Type species: A. aurea Schltr

Characteristics of genus: Small to medium, mostly epiphytic to terrestrial herbs; stems slender to c. 35 cm long, usually branched; differing from Glossorhyncha Ridl. by the upper leaf sheaths not being ciliated, differing in the absence of a spur or sack like projection at the base of the lip and the presence of a slender and perfectly bare column. The leaves are usually spread out, distichously arranged, linear or ligulate with either an acute or to near apiculate apex; in the species A. serrulata the leaves are finely serrated, cabbage-like. The leaves in other species are more rigid. The inflorescences are apical with green to sulphur yellow glabrous flowers. The flowers are relatively small and borne singely or in pairs; the sepals are cucullate - amplectens with the laterals sometimes conglutinate; labella are more or less cucullate and concave.

Number of sections and/or subsections in genus: None described

Number of species in New Guinea: Nine species and two varieties are found in New Guinea.

Species shown here: Aglossorhyncha biflora Schltr.

Key to Illustration:A - Section of plant with flower B - Flower C - Dorsal sepal D - Petal E - Lateral sepals F - Labellum G - Column, ventral view H - Column, lateral view I - Anther, front J - Anther, back K - Pollinia

Habitat: Inhabitants of the mist forests of the high mountains, where they grow on thick branches of very tall primary trees and only in those places surrounded by thick moss.

Conservation status: Fairly wide spread and capable of colonizing disturbed areas and therefore may not be threatened over their range.