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Dendrobium grande

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Epiphyte
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Weeping / Pendulous
Maximum Height 50 cm

Biogeography

Native Distribution Andaman Islands, Myanmar, Thailand, Borneo, Malaya and Sumatra. 
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Presumed Nationally Extinct (NEx))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form An epiphytic orchid, it has a pendulous growth form.
Foliage The leaves are laterally flattened and acute, measuring about 6 cm by 1.5 cm.  
Stems The stem are pendulous, occasionally branching and can grow up to 50 cm or more. 
Flowers The waxy flowers are borne on short inflorescences, located at the leaf bases and measure about 1cm long. The flower sepals and petals are yellow with red patches at the bases. The flower lip is yellow, the mid-lobe has a deep cleft and a deep yellow callus, the side-lobes are triangular in shape.  
Habitat It can be found growing on trees from sea level to 1000m in altitude. 
Etymology Greek, dendro-bioj, tree dwelling, referring to its epiphytic growth habit. Latin grande, large, referring to the relatively large flowers for this section of orchids within the Dendrobium genus.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping It is suitable for planting on trees in parks and gardens for its unique braided growth form, and yellow flowers.
Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Skyrise / Balcony
Thematic Landscaping Golden Garden, Naturalistic Garden

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Abiotic (Explosive Dehiscence)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade, [Remarks] (Is best grown under light shade. )
Water Preference Moderate Water, Occasional Misting
Propagation Method Seed, Division

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Thick
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Sessile
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Asymmetrical)
Foliar Margin Entire

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Red, Yellow / Golden
Flower Texture(s) Waxy
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Flower Symmetry Bilateral

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Brown
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 31836
Species ID 6236
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 20 August 2021.
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