Dendrobium iteratum J.J.Sm., Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 66 (1934) 193.
Type: Stein 575 (not located).
Stems (fragments described) elongated, more than 32 cm long, internodes 1.7-3 cm long. Leaf sheaths longer than the internodes, finely transversely rugulose, apex truncate. Leaves patent, grass-like, linear, narrowing towards the apex, 13.5-16.5 by 0.7-1.15 cm, papyraceous, base semiamplexicaul, apex strongly unequally narrowly bidentate. Inflorescences laterally from the stems, very short, 2-flowered, spathe 0.65-0.8 by 0.5-0.55 cm. Pedicel 1.5 cm long; ovary 0.6 cm long. Flowers c. 2.5 cm across. Dorsal sepal 1.68 cm by 0.67 mm; mentum c. 0.6 cm long. Petals 1.55 cm by 6.4 mm. Lip 3-lobed, when flattened 1.25 by 0.7 cm; midlobe 3-lobulate. Column 0.45 cm long; column-foot 0.6 cm long.
(after Smith, 1934).
Colours: Not recorded.
Habitat: Presumably in montane forest. Altitude 1400 m.
Flowering time in the wild: October.
Distribution: New Guinea (endemic).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Nabire Regency).
Map: ITERAMAP.JPG [Dendrobium iteratum J.J.Sm., distribution map.]
Notes: Dendrobium iteratum is well-characterised by the grass-like leaves and by the unusual lip, of which the midlobe is divided into 3 smaller lobes.
Cultivation: Intermediate growing epiphyte?.