Arthrochilus F. Mueller
in Fragm. 1:42 (1858).

Introduction: The genus contains four to possibly six species. It is predominantly an Autralian genus but extends into New Guinea. Representatives occur in both Temperate and tropical regions. Arthochilus was previously united with Drakaea and later Spiculaea.

Derivation of genus name: Greek arthros (jointed), cheilos (a lip). The name refers to the jointed labellum stalk of these orchids.

Type species: Arthrochilus irritabilis F. Muell.

Characteristics of genus: Deciduous terrestrial plants, including flower stem up to 20 cm tall. Leaves lineaer-lanceolate, either stem, embracing, basal or a rosette arising from a a lateral growth from base of flower stem (one species a leafless saprophyte). Flowers dull coloured, perianth parts not readily detectable; labellum mobile,insectiform, covered with cilia and glandular warty calli. Column curved and with prominent lateral wings (alae) which extend in upper and lower lobes.

Number of sections: None.

Number of species in New Guinea: Two species have been collected:

Arthrochilus dockrillii Lavarack and Arthrochilus irritabilis F. Muell.

Species shown here: Arthrochilus dockrillii Lavarack
drawn by N.H.S Howcroft

Key to illustration:
A: Plant with inflorescence (40 mm scale); B: As above, specimen 2.; C: Lateral view of pressed flower (4 mm scale)

Habitat: Open forest, savannah woodland and coastal heathlands. The species here comes from the Wassi Kussa region of the Gulf province and is expected occur on similar sites throughout the Western Province.

Conservation status: Not known but not expected to be under threat due to lack of land development where it occurs.