Diplocaulobium glabrum

Diplocaulobium glabrum (J.J.Sm.) Kraenzl., in Engl., Pflanzenr. IV. 50. II. B. 21 (1910) 339.

Basionym: Dendrobium glabrum.

Rhizome elongated, creeping. Pseudobulbs to 1.5 cm apart, 1-leaved, oblongoid, elliptic in cross-section, 3.3 by 0.9 cm. Leaves erect, lanceolate, 5.5 by 1.7 cm, coriaceous, apex obtuse, bilobulate. Inflorescences 1-flowered, spathe 2 cm long. Pedicel 1.8 cm long; ovary 0.6 cm long. Flower c. 3.5 cm across. Dorsal sepal 2.2 cm by 4.3 mm. Lateral sepals 2.3 cm by 6 mm, mentum c. 0.45 cm long. Petals 2.1 cm by 1 mm. Lip weakly 3-lobed, 1.2 by 0.5 cm, with 3 keels, the lateral keels higher than the middle one, glabrous; midlobe 0.7 cm by 2.7 mm. Column 0.3 cm long; column-foot 0.45 cm long.
(after Smith, 1909).

Colours: Flower pale yellowish, lip with red margins to the lateral lobes, column pale greenish, below the stigma with red markings.

Habitat: Epiphyte in savannah and coastal forest. Altitude 0 to 400 m.

Flowering time in the wild: September-March, May.

Distribution: New Guinea, Australia.

Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Merauke Regency); Papua New Guinea (Western, Morobe, and Central Provinces).

Notes: Diplocaulobium glabrum is distinctive by the creeping rhizomes with well-spaced erect pseudobulbs.

Cultivation: Warm growing epiphyte, prefers light position.

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