Trachoma papuanum is an epiphytic or lithophytic herb that forms clumps with a few thin roots and branching stems 30–60 millimetres (1.2–2.4 in) long.

[2][3][4][5] The yellow spectral orchid was first formally described in 1913 by Rudolf Schlechter who gave it the name Saccolabium papuanum and published the description in Repertorium Specierum Novarum Regni Vegetabilis Beihefte.

[1][6][7] In 1989 Mark Clements, Jeffrey Wood and David Jones changed the name to Trachoma pupuanum.

The specific epithet (papuanum) refers to the type location, the ending -anum a Latin suffix meaning "pertaining to" or "belonging to".

[8] Trachoma papuanum grows on rainforest trees often on branches over streams and in other humid places.