Dendrobium atroviolaceum
| Dendrobium atroviolaceum | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Genus: | Dendrobium |
| Species: | D. atroviolaceum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Dendrobium atroviolaceum | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Dendrobium atroviolaceum is a species of epiphytic orchid endemic to eastern New Guinea. It was described by English botanist Robert Allen Rolfe in 1890 based on a specimen collected by James Veitch & Sons.[1][3][4]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
D. atroviolaceum is known from the D'Entrecasteaux Islands and the Louisiade Archipelago in Papua New Guinea. It grows on rainforest trees at altitudes of 200–800 m (660–2,620 ft).[3]
Description[edit]
D. atroviolaceium is a compact, upright plant. The pseudobulbs are furrowed, measuring 10–30 cm (3.9–11.8 in) long, swollen in the upper half and tapered towards the base of the plant. Each pseudobulb bears up to six stiff, dark green leaves at its apex. The inflorescence is an erect raceme measuring up to 20 cm (7.9 in) long and bearing up to twenty fragrant, long-lasting flowers that face downwards. The flowers are large, each measuring 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) across. The petals and sepals are cream and marked with purple dots. The fleshy labellum is green on the outside but marked with rich violet-purple stripes on the inside.[3][5][6][7]
Cultivation[edit]
D. atroviolaceum has been used extensively in the breeding of hybrid orchids. In cultivation, it requires warm, humid conditions and filtered sunlight. It can tolerate night temperatures as low as 5 °C (41 °F) as long as daytime temperatures remain warm. Flowering can occur at any time, but typically occurs from autumn to spring. The flowers may last for three months or more.[3][7]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Chadburn, H.; Schuiteman, A. (2018). "Dendrobium atroviolaceum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T119254741A119262823. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T119254741A119262823.en. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
- ^ "Dendrobium atroviolaceum Rolfe". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
- ^ a b c d Lavarack, Bill; Harris, Wayne; Stocker, Geoff (2000). Dendrobium and Its Relatives. Timber Press. pp. 59, 210. ISBN 0881924903.
- ^ Rolfe, Robert A. (1890). "New or Noteworthy Plants". The Gardeners' Chronicle. 3. 7: 512. OCLC 12835111 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
- ^ Nash, George V. (1917). "Dendrobium atroviolaceum". Addisonia. 2. New York Botanical Garden: 63. ISSN 0732-1678. LCCN agr17001177. OCLC 1461077 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
- ^ Millar, Andreé (1978). Orchids of Papua New Guinea: An Introduction. Australian National University Press. p. 40. ISBN 0708104797.
- ^ a b Pridgeon, Alec, ed. (1992). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids. Timber Press. p. 88. ISBN 9780881928013.