Introduction: The genus is related to Robiquetia Gaud., but is well distinguished by its smaller flowers and the structure of the short hammer-like column. Species in this genus were previously included in the very large genus Saccolabium but re-allocated by Smith and Schlechter to other genera.
Derivation of genus name: Latin malleolus (little hammer), referring to the hammer-shaped column. The genus name for these tiny epiphytic herbs was jointly published by J.J. Smith and R. Schlechter.
Type species: Lectotype: Malleola sphingoides J.J.Sm.
Characteristics of genus: Plants may have short or long leafy stems. The leaves are often tinged red and the pendant inflorescence bears many small flowers.
Photo: Malleola wariana
Conservation status: not known
Malleola J.J. Smith & Schlechter