Hymenorchis

Vandeae subtribe Aeridinae

Miniature monopodial epiphytes. Leaves alternate, distichous, arranged in one plane, usually with finely toothed margins. Inflorescences short, few-flowered, axillary subcapitate racemes. Flowers cupped, translucent white. Sepals and petals free, spreading, the petals often inflexed and larger with denticulate margins. Lip unlobed, deeply saccate-spurred. Column very short, stout, with a long, bifid rostellum; pollinia 2, on a filiform-triangular common stipe and large viscidium.

From the Greek hymen, meaning membrane, and orchis, meaning orchid, referring to the delicate texture of the flowers.

A genus of ten species from Java and the Philippines to New Guinea.