Trichotosia Blume
in Bijdragen tot de Flora van Nederlandsch Indie (1825), p. 342

INTRODUCTION: The genus is closely related to Eria. Some fifty species are presently recognised in the genus distributed from S.E. Asia, Indonesia to New Guinea.

DERIVATION OF GENUS NAME: This name is derived from the Greek word trichotos (hairy), in reference to the hairy indumentum common in the genus.

TYPE SPECIES: Trichotosia ferox Blume

CHARACTERISTICS OF GENUS: Sympodial epiphytes with creeping rhizomes which produce long or short leafy but not fleshy stems at intervals. The leaves are flat and usually hairy, their sheaths always hairy. The lateral inflorescence carries few to several wide opening, pretty flowers. These are medium-sized with conspicuous bracts and the outside of the sepals always brown or red hairy, cream, brown, pinkish or greenish inside.

SPECIES SHOWN HERE: Trichotosia sp.
drawn by Neville H.S. Howcroft

PHOTO(S):
Trichotosia velutina

HABITAT: The species are inhabitants of the montane rain forests from around 500 m to 1600 m.

CONSERVATION STATUS: not known