Cleisostoma filiforme (Lindl.) Garay 1972 is an epiphytic growing orchid species, native to the Himalayas, India (Assam, Sikkim), Nepal, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

Cleisostoma filiforme has been primarly classified by the English botanist Sir John Lindley (1799-1865 ) as Sarcanthus filiformis Lindl. 1842 and in 1972 transfered to the Cleisostoma genus by the American botanist Leslie Andrew Garay (born 1924). Inflorescences of Cleisostoma filiforme orchids reach lengths up to 25 cm and carry up to about 30 very small flowers. As flowers get a size of just about 0,6 cm, they are best viewed with a magnifying glass or a macro lens. Flowering period: July. Cleisostoma filiforme orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival). The orchid requires a warm to hot climate, but tolerates frost to about -5°C.

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Image: Cleisostoma filiforme (Lindl.) Garay 1972

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