Ecology: Montane forest, possibly lowland forest; epiphytic. Elevation: 1000-2000(3970) m (Venezuela: 1000 m, Colombia: (10)2000 m, Peru: 2300(3970) m). Distribution: Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Brazil (possibly widespread in South America).
Trichosteleum cyparissoides is recognized by the falcate leaves and weakly unipapillose laminal cells. This taxon, reported from several Andean countries, will likely be recognized even though it is not morphologically well defined (it is an old name). At least associated with the Andes, the other species with curved or falcate leaves is T. schlimii which is usually distinctly papillose; it is likely that these are the same taxon. Trichosteleum bolivarense H. Rob. (Acta Bot. Venez. 1: 78. 1965. Type: Venezuela. Cerro Venamo, Steyermark & Dunsterville 93353 [holotype US], Steyermark 93551 [paratype NY]) is very close if not identical to T. cyparissoides. Robinson (1967, see general references) notes that in comparison T. bolivarense is more notably papillose than T. cyparissoides (similar to T. schlimii).