Introduction: There are only six species in the genus, all of which occur only in New Guinea and some adjacent Pacific islands.
Derivation of genus name: Greek eurys (broad), kentron(spur) referring to the conspicuously broad spur of the lip
Type species: Eurycentrum obscurum (Blume) Schltr
Basionym: Cystorchis obscura Blume
Characteristics of the genus: These terrestrials have an attractive variegated foliage, small fascinating flowers and can be included in the group of 'Jewel Orchids'. Stem above leaves with few to many glandular hairs; leaves dark green to red-brown, reddish below; inflorescence short, five to eight flowers facing one direction.
Number of sections and/or subsections in genus:
Number of species in New Guinea: Six species have been described for New Guinea
Species line drawing: Eurycentrum obscurum (Bl.) Schlechter, redrawn by Emmanuel Saya from Figuren Atlas zu den Orchidaceen von Deutsch Neuguinea
Eurycentrum fragrans Schlechter, redrawn by Emmanual Saya from Figuren Atlas zu den Orchidaceen von Deutsch Neuguinea
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Key to Illustration: E. obscurum A: flower; B: dorsal sepal; C: lateral sepal; D: petal; E: labellum; F: column and foot with glands; G: anther; H: pollinia
E. fragrans A: flower; B: dorsal sepal; C: lateral sepal; D: petal; E: labellum; F: column; G: column, lateral view; H: anther; I: pollinia
Habitat: They are typical shade plants of the primary forests of New Guinea and are found only in humus soil. These species seem to grow, by preference, at the base of old, large trees where the layer of hums is deepest.
Conservation status: not known
