Dendrobium herbaceum

Dendrobium herbaceum Lindl.

The Genus Dendrobium Swartz belongs to the tribe Dendrobiinae of Orchidaceae family (subfamily Epidendroideae). It is Greek for a tree and life, referring to its epiphytic habit “living on a tree”. Dendrobium is one of the largest genera in the orchids family with over a thousand species. This genus is mostly epiphytic, however, there have been observations where its found to be lithophytic. Another feature of this genus is the cane like stems.

Dendrobium herbaceaum Lindl. syn Callista herbacea (Lindl.) Kuntze

The white colored flowers of this sympodial orchid usually bloom in the months of January-May.This bushy leafless epiphyte with its inflorescence having innumerable flowers sitting high on trees being the highlight helping in identification of this species. Dendrobium herbaceumThe typical size of the flower is less than a centimeter in width and when observed closely the greenish lip or labellum is seen.

Usually the flowering lasts several weeks. Normally once the flowering season is complete and rains set in, the same plant can be seen full of new leaves and shoots. Typical habitat to find this species is mid to lower elevations of the Southern Western Ghats. Its also observed in other parts of India as well.
Dendrobium herbaceum

 

 

 

 

Even though this species flowers profusely, flowers being very small may be the reason behind this species being not very popular in cultivation. This hardy species once established will start flowering regularly every year or so. When it is not in bloom, with its numerous attractive canes and leaves it is wonderful orchid to grow and conserve.

 

 

dendrobium herbaceum

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