Name: Pinalia amica (Rchb.f.) Kuntze
Synonyms: Eria amica Rchb.f.; Eria confusa Hook.f.; Eria andersonii Hook.f.; Eria hypomelana Hayata; Octomeria excavata Wall. ex Hook.f.
Etymology: amica = friendly / beloved — presumably refers to the appealing appearance of the flowers.

First description: Originally described in 1870 by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach as Eria amica; transferred to the genus Pinalia in 1891 by Otto Kuntze.
Origin / Distribution: Widely distributed in Southeast Asia and the Himalayas: from northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam to southern China and Taiwan.
Location / Habitat: Grows epiphytically on old, moss-covered trees in evergreen lowland forests and primary highland cloud forests. It occurs at elevations of approximately 600 to 2,200 m.
Description & Notes: Pinalia amica is a small to medium-sized orchid with cylindrical to spindle-shaped pseudobulbs, which usually bear 1–3 leathery, lanceolate leaves at the apex. The inflorescences emerge laterally in the upper part of the bulbs and bear 6 to 10 rather small but attractively colored flowers. The sepals and petals are usually pale yellow to greenish-yellow, marked with distinctive reddish longitudinal stripes (veins). The lip is three-lobed and often bright yellow or pink. A characteristic feature of the genus is the fine hairiness (indumentum) on the flower stalks and the outer surface of the sepals.

In cultivation, the species prefers temperate to cool conditions with pronounced humidity. It should be placed in a bright spot, but out of direct midday sun. During the growing season, generous watering is important, while waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. A slight rest period with reduced watering in winter promotes flower induction in spring.

Culture: Cool to intermediate temperatures of about 12–24 °C, bright to partially shaded, and high humidity. Grow in a hanging pot with an airy bark mix and water somewhat less in winter.