Kefersteinia is a genus of flowering plants from the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It has about 40-50 species, widespread across much of Latin America.[2] The genus was named for Keferstein of Kröllwitz, an orchidologist.[3]
Plants of the genus are small sympodial orchids closely related to Chondrorhyncha, growing 12–20 cm (4.7–7.9 in) tall.[4] Orchids have a long or short rhizome and lack pseudobulbs. Linear to lanceolate leaves form a fan shape, articulated to a sheath at their base. Single flowered inflorescences rise from the base or between leaves, often multiple at a time. Flowers are thin and translucent, with similar petals and sepals. The lip is broad and articulated to the column foot. The column is stout and keeled on the underside. Flowers have four pollinia.[5]
Most species grow in the Andes mountains of Colombia and Ecuador, in shady, humid conditions. Most are epiphytic though some grow terrestrially in humus or moss.[5]
Most flowers of the genus are pollinated by euglossine bees attracted by the flowers' fragrance. The hump of the lip forces bees to enter the flower from the side and pollinia are attached to the base of the bee's antennae.[6]