Liparis microcharis Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 33: 144 (1924).
Description:
Plants very small (4-6 cm tall), pseudobulbs widely oval (3-4.5 x 2-3 mm), slightly compressed, covered with 4 sheaths of a pale color, the newest bearing apically 2, narrowly lanceolate leaves (8-18 x 3- 6 mm) acute or subacute. Inflorescence 2-3 times longer than the leaves, to 5 cm tall, peduncle generally univaginate; 3-6 yellow flowers; bracts equaling more than half the length of the pedicel. Sepals obtuse and 3 veined the median narrowly oblong-lanceolate and 4 mm long, the laterals semi-oval and slightly shorter (3.Smm). Petals (4 mm) narrowly linear, obtuse and 1 veined. Labellum widely rhomboid-suborbicular (3 x 3.5 mm), widely rounded basally, shortly excised apically and with the margins slightly crenulate in the upper half; provided basally with a crescent shaped callus, 1-2 keels on the lateral veins, forming the margins of the deep median depression. Column slightly curved, a slight 2 mm tall, auricles semi-square. Pedicel 4 mm long.
Habitat:
On humid rocks, from 2000 m alt.
Phenology:
Flowering in February.
Cultivation:
As given for the genus.
Distribution:
C. Madagascar
References:
Flora of Madagascar: vascular plants: 49th family, Orchids / by H. Perrier de La Bathie; published under the auspices of the government of Madagascar and under the direction of H. Humbert; English revision and translation by Steven D. Beckman; Liparis microcharis Schltr., espèce endémique de Madagascar, découverte sur l'île de La Réunion (Orchidales : Orchidaceae), Cahiers scientifiques de l'océan Indien occidental 2, 2011 : 7-12.
Images:
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Habitat/In situ  Habitat/In situ 
liparis microcharis 01  liparis microcharis  02 
Photograph ©Gilles
Grunenwald. Image used
with kind permission. 
Photograph ©Gilles
Grunenwald. Image used
with kind permission.