Ophioglossella is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Orchidaceae endemic to New Guinea. The sole species is Ophioglossella chrysostoma.

Description

This species has been previously misidentified as member of the genera Sarcochilus, Pteroceras, Dryadorchis, and Grosourdya. Ophioglossella chrysostoma Schuit. & Ormerod is a small, short-stemmed, monopodial epiphyte with nearly sickle-shaped, twisted leaves, and sparsely to many-flowered racemes. The flowers are white with additional pink colouration. The labellum is mobile and does not possess a spur. The androecium consists of four pollinia.

Ecology

It occurs at elevations of 1,700–2,300 metres (5,600–7,500 ft) above sea level in montane forests.

Etymology

The specific epithet of the type species chrysostoma consists of chryso-, meaning golden, and -stoma meaning mouth. It refers to the golden inner side of the labellum.

Conservation

This species appears to be widespread, but rare and appears to have a low numbers of individuals.