Aceratorchis Schlechter, 1922 is a small genus from the orchid family (Orchidaceae).

The genus includes only two epiphytic species, occurring in mountainous forests and meadows from Tibet to Central China and Yunnan.

These orchids are 6--15 cm tall, with a fleshy, creeping, digitate rhizome

The cylindric stem is erect, with 2 basal tubular sheaths.

The green, glabrous leaf is basal and petiolate, oblong-spatulate or spatulate with obtuse apex. Its base is clasping around the stem.

The inflorescence has 1 to 6 small flowers with lanceolate floral bracts. The sepals are oblong and 3-veined, with an obtuse apex. The lower sepal is concave, forming a hood with petals. The lateral sepals are spreading. The erect, oblong-lanceolate petals are purplish red, pale purple, or white, 2-veined, with an acute apex.

The ovate-lanceolate lip is spreading, It is slightly broader than the petals. Its base is slightly concave, spurless, not lobed, margin entire or slightly undulate. The apex is obtuse.

Species

• Aceratorchis albiflora (Tibet to China - Yunnan).
• Aceratorchis tschiliensis (Qinghai to C. China).

External link

Photo of Aceratorchis tschiliensis (http://www.asianflora.com/Orchidaceae/Aceratorchis-tschiliensis.htm)