Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Dwarf Rock Orchid, Rock Orchid variety, The Outstanding Dendrobium variety

Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)

Distribution: NE Queensland

Habitat: Open forests, coastline

Life form: Lithophytic

Bloom characteristics: Inflorescence is 3-10.3" (7.5-26.2 cm) long with 9-72 cream colored flowers which open widely. Flowers are 1.2-1.9" (3.1-4.7 cm) across.

Pollination syndrome: Bee (Trigona sp.), for chemical reward

Foliage characteristics: 2-4 leaves which are rigid in the wild, but softer in cultivation.

Description: This variety of D. speciosum is distinguished by being the most compact of the varieties. In the wild, it grows in harsh conditions, with its leaves growing nearly erect to prevent too much sun exposure and becoming very rigid as they hold onto their water. Not incredibly common in cultivation, it is enjoyed by hybridizers, who use it to bred smaller plants with wide-opening flowers.

Comments: Dendrobium speciosum var. pedunculatum