Dendrobium bulbophylloides

"Dendrobium bulbophylloides Schltr., from section Microphytanthe, is a small creeping epiphyte found growing in the montane forest of New Gumea (900-2100m). What is interesting about section Microphytanthe is that it is comprised of only three known species and they are all endemic to New Guinea. Just as it’s name indicates you could very easily confuse this plant with a Bulbophyllum if not for the flowers which I find quite similar to those of section Biloba."

Dendrobium bulbophylloides Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1: 457 (1912).

Dendrobium bulbophylloides Schltr., Photo by Orchids of Kurt

 Dendrobium bulbophylloides Schltr., Video by Orchids of Kurt 

its native range is New Guinea.

Latinh Name: 

Dendrobium bulbophylloides Schltr.

Family: 

Orchidaceae Juss.

Synonym:

Cadetia mayrii (J.J.Sm.) P.F.Hunt

Dendrobium mayrii J.J.Sm.

Dendrobium prorepens Schltr.

Microphytanthe bulbophylloides (Schltr.) Brieger

Microphytanthe prorepens (Schltr.) Rauschert

English Name:

Bulbophyllum-like Dendrobium.

Description: 

With 1 cm between each, oblong to cylindrical, brown to reddish brown or green pseudobulbs carrying a single, apical, ovate to oblong, thick, fleshy and nearly erect leaf blooming in the summer on a terminal, 5 cm long, single flowered inflorescence that arises on newer pseudobulbs from beneath the leaf petiole and carry a single, fleshy, large for the plant, long-lasting flower.

Distribution:

New Guinea.

Ecological:

In mossy montane forests on tall trees as a mat forming, miniature sized, cool to cold growing epiphyte at elevations of 1000 to 2700 m.

Flowering times:

Blooms in the summer.

Flower size:

1.3 cm.

Cultivation:

Plant requires intermediate to warm temperatures and medium amounts of light. Keep plant moist but not wet. Water when potting media is almost dry but still slightly moist. Unlike other dendrobiums, Den. crumenatum does not appear to have a definite resting period. Grow in a well drain mix of sphagnum moss or medium fir bark. Plant can also be mounted.

Type:

Schlechter 17709; 18247 (B, lost).