The Sarcanthinae has a history of taxonomic confusion and poor generic definition. An overview of this history was presented by Garay (1972). While a number of papers address generic clarification (Christenson 1985a; Garay 1972, 1974; Holttum 1960, 1962; Schlechter 1919, 1927; Shim 1982; Smith 1912a, 1912b & Tsi 1982) and revisionary studies (Aerides, Christenson, in prep.; Arachnis, Armodorum, Dimorphorchis & Esmeralda, Tan 1975-1976; Chiloschista Diels & Mansfeld 1932; Cleisostoma, Seidenfaden 1975b, Tsi 1983; Luisia, Seidenfaden 1971; Phalaenopsis, Sweet 1980; Taeniophyllum Carr 1932; Thrixspermum, Williams 1938b & Trichoglottis, Williams 1938a), this subtribe of the Orchidaceae is in need of considerable work. The taxonomies of horticulturally interesting genera in the Sarcanthinae are being reviewed by Christenson (1982, 1985 b-d, 1986 a-b). Of the genera which are a major source of confusion, Saccolabium shines as a first among equals. Saccolabium was originally published in 1825 as S. pusillum B1., a small, insignificant Javan species. Later authors added over 300 names to the genus. Few of these subsequent additions are related to the type and Saccolabium, as currently understood and here accepted, has 4 species restricted to Java and Sumatra. Lindley, in his Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants (1833), was the next author to utilize the generic name, and expanded its circumscription to include Gastrochilus D. Don, Rhynchostylis Bl., and Robiquetia Gaud., as well as a number of diverse species unrelated except for their saccate labella. His 29 Saccolabium species are currently thought to represent 13 distinct genera. However, Lindley did recognize Acampe Lindl., Cleisostoma Bl., Sarcanthus Lindl., and Uncifera Lindl., which later authors reduced to synonyms of Saccolabium sensu lato. The inflation of Saccolabium begun by Lindley (1833) was continued by Bentham & Hooker (1883: 578-579) with the inclusion of Ceratochilus B 1. Bentham, when writing the Orchidaceae for the Genera Plantarum, injected a note of confusion by selecting his 'genuine' Saccolabium from the suite of species added by Lindley rather than Blume's species. This is not surprising