Small epiphyte. Stems very short. Leaves obovate, to 8 cm long, to 3 cm wide, leathery, tip rounded, pale green. Inflorescences to 4 cm long, erect. Flowers solitary, to 15 cm wide, pale brownish with pink to purplish spots or veins, tails on sepals yellow to greenish; autumn to spring. Sepals similar, fused at base only. Petals minute, oblong. Labellum small, oblong, 2-ridged, tip curved under.

S America.

M. macrura Rchb. f. from Colombia and Ecuador is a medium sized tufted epilith with large shiny leaves and solitary flowers that are reddish in the centre with long yellow or greenish tails.

Source: Jeanes, J. (2005). Orchidaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.