Amesiella monticola is a miniature species of epiphytic orchid native to the Philippines. The specific epithet "monticola" refers to the montaneous habitat of the species. Monticola is a combination of "mons" or "montis", meaning mountain and "cola" or "colere" meaning "inhabitant" or "dweller".[3]
These monopodial herbs form small, leathery leaves.[4] The genus Amesiella forms white flowers with long spurs.[5] The 1-6 very large flowers in relation to the vegetative parts of the plants are borne on short, axillary racemes. They have a characteristic long, twisted spur, indicating moth pollination.[6] The flowers are purely white, devoid of any golden pigmentation of the labellum. This separates it from Amesiella philippinensis.
By some this species is treated as a mere variation of Amesiella philippinensis. Hence, it is synonymous with Amesiella philippinensis var. monticola.[2]
This species is critically endangered and its population is decreasing.[7][1]
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) Amesiella monticola is a miniature species of epiphytic orchid native to the Philippines. The specific epithet "monticola" refers to the montaneous habitat of the species. Monticola is a combination of "mons" or "montis", meaning mountain and "cola" or "colere" meaning "inhabitant" or "dweller".
