Eria Lindl. In Edwards

Herbs, epiphytic, lithophytic, or rarely terrestrial. Rhizome creeping. Stems pseudobulbous, of 1 distinctly enlarged internode, ovoid, faintly to distinctly angular in transverse section, with 2-4 leaves toward apex; base of pseudobulbs loosely covered by leaf sheaths. Leaves convolute in bud, elliptic to narrowly elliptic, leathery, articulate, tapering at base. Inflorescence axillary, erect, many flowered, pubescent; peduncle subtended by 2 or 3 imbricate sterile bracts arising from opposite leaf base; inflorescence axis covered by brown stellate hairs; floral bracts brown, narrowly ovate to triangular. Flowers opening widely, usually cream-colored to pale yellow and in some species with purple veins or purple markings on column, column foot, and lip, stellate or otherwise, large; ovary angular in cross section, sometimes winged. Sepals narrowly triangular with hairs abaxially; lateral sepals slightly ventrally broadened at base, recurved at apex; mentum distinct. Petals similar to sepals; lip simple or 3-lobed, callus absent or adorned with ridges. Column short, foot incurved; anther cap fleshy, with an obtuse apical median ridge, apex obtuse and covering erect, truncate rostellum; pollinia 8, in 2 groups of 4, each group contained within a distinct 4-chambered pouch at base of anther cap, each pollinium laterally compressed, ± deltoid in lateral view, equal in size, at base attached with white granular caudicles.

Found on the upper branches and trunks of trees high in the rainforest canopy, or on rocks and boulders.