[1][2] It is known to grow both terrestrially and epiphytically at altitudes near 1 km in the Neotropics from Mexico and Belize down through Brazil, as well as Trinidad.

Spathium, the stems of E. cristatum are un-swollen and covered by close, tubular sheathes which bear distichous, somewhat leathery, lanceolate leaves (up to 3 cm long by 4 cm wide) on the upper part of the stem.

The terminal paniculate inflorescence grows through several enlarged spathes, arranged in a fan, which cover the peduncle.

The oblong convex obtuse sepals can grow up to 2.8 cm long, slightly longer than the linear petals.

The lip is adnate to the column to its apex with a shape that resembles a comb.