Aceratorchis

Aceratorchis Schltr 1922 is a small genus from the orchid family part of the subtribe ORCHIDINAE and the alliance ORCHIS which includes the genera Aceras, Aceratorchis, Amitostigma, Anacamptis, Aorchis, Ophrys, Orchis. 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).