Dendrobium salicifolium J.J.Sm., Nova Guinea 18 (1935) 48, pl. 10, 28.
Type: Docters van Leeuwen 10263 (holo L).
Rhizome short, roots densely short velvety-papillose. Stems crowded, slender, unbranched, slightly flexuose, 70 cm long, internodes 1.5-1.8 cm long. Leaf sheaths at the apex with a conspicuous obtuse tooth opposite the leaf-blade. Leaves erect-patent, lanceolate, 5.3-6 by 0.8-1.3 cm, coriaceous, margins near apex somewhat irregular, apex obtusely bidentate. Inflorescences laterally from the stems, very short, 2-flowered. Pedicel and ovary 0.65 cm long. Flowers c. 2 cm across, fleshy, sepals and petals at the apex incurved, concave, outside slightly verruculose. Dorsal sepal 1.3 cm by 7 mm; mentum 0.35 cm long, broadly truncate, retuse. Petals 1.2 cm by 5.6 mm. Lip when flattened 0.68 by 0.45 cm. Column 0.34 cm long; column-foot 0.35 cm long.
(after Smith, 1935).
Colours: Flower white, within spotted light violet, lip with an orange dot.
Habitat: Epiphyte in rainforest. Altitude 250 m.
Flowering time in the wild: September.
Distribution: New Guinea (endemic).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Paniai Regency).
Map: SALICMAP.JPG [Dendrobium salicifolium J.J.Sm., distribution map.]
Notes: Dendrobium salicifolium derives its name from the willow-like leaves. The shape of the lip is characteristic.
Cultivation: Warm growing epiphyte.