Dendrobium inconspicuum

Dendrobium inconspicuum J.J.Sm., in L.S.Gibbs, Phytogeogr. Fl. Arfak Mountains. (1917) 205.

Type: Gibbs 6272 (holo BM).

Stems elongated, branching, strongly bilaterally compressed, in upper part narrowing and covered with rudimentary scale-leaves only, 74 cm by 4.7 mm, laxly several-leaved, internodes to 4 cm long. Leaf sheaths as long as the internodes. Leaves laterally compressed, lanceolate-linear, 5.2 by 0.4 cm, apex acute. Inflorescences fascicled from the leafless upper part of the stem, 1-flowered, very short. Pedicel 0.4 cm long; ovary 0.23 cm long. Flower c. 5 mm across. Dorsal sepal triangular, 0.25 cm by 2.3 mm, apex obtuse; mentum 0.25 cm long, obtuse. Petals obliquely lanceolate, 0.26 cm by 0.7 mm, apex acute. Lip 3-lobed, 0.4 by 0.35 cm. Column 0.08 cm long.
(after Smith, 1917).

Colours: Flower yellow.

Habitat: Epiphytic on sea-side trees. Altitude 0 m.

Flowering time in the wild: January.

Distribution: New Guinea (endemic).

Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Biak-Numfor Regency).

Notes: Dendrobium inconspicuum is easily distinguished from the only other member of sect. Aporum in New Guinea, Dendrobium aloifolium, by the totally different shape of the lip. Both have tiny, inconspicuous flowers.

Cultivation: Warm growing epiphyte, prefers light position.

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