[1] is a subsection of the section E. sect.

Planifolia, the species of E. subsect.

Spathacea are characterized by a sympodial growth habit without pseudobulbs, a lack of any spathes or sheathes covering the base of the racemose inflorescence, and by flat (not round) leaves.

The species categorized in Spathacea differ from the members of the other subsections by having large floral bracts, which make the inflorescence resemble a strobilus.

Reichenbach originally placed eight species in this subsection (page numbers refer to Reichenbach 1861):