Tapeinoglossum Schlechter
in Fedde's Repert. Beihefte 1:316; 1914

INTRODUCTION: A genus of only three species, all from New Guinea

DERIVATION OF GENUS NAME: In reference to the minute lip of the species the generic name was coined from the Greek tapeinos (humble, modest) and glossa (tongue). The genus belongs to the Bulbophyllinae.

TYPE SPECIES: Tapeinoglossum centrisemiflorum (J.J. Smith) Schltr.
Basionym: Bulbophyllum centrosemiflorum J.J. Smith

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GENUS: Epiphytic herbs from an altitude of 400 to 800 m with elongated rhizomes, small pseudo-bulbs from which arises a single leaf. The medium sized flowers are whitish with red veining and marking.

The species occur in forests at altitudes between 400 to 800 metres, particularly in somewhat open forest near streams. In the Oro province towards the Bari region plants were observed to be fairly common on Leucaena trees in old coffee plantations

CONSERVATION STATUS: not threatened

SPECIES SHOWN HERE: Tapeinoglossum centrosemiflorum Schlechter
drawn by N.H.S. Howcroft
KEY TO ILLUSTRATION: plant habit and flower

PHOTO: Tapeinoglossum centrosemiflorum Schlechter