Dendrobium nimium

Dendrobium nimium J.J.Sm., Nova Guinea 14 (1929) 412, pl. 63, 64.

Type: Feuilletau de Bruyn 366 (holo BO).

Stems (fragments described) elongated, at least 17 cm long, internodes to 0.8 cm long. Leaf sheaths with prominent longitudinal veins, at the oblique apex with a broadly triangular tooth opposite the leaf-blade. Leaves erect-patent, oblong-ovate, subcordate, 3.2 by 1 cm, rigidly thin coriaceous, apex obliquely shortly obtusely bilobulate. Inflorescences laterally from the stems, very short; peduncle 0.6 cm long, 2-flowered, spathe 0.5 cm long. Pedicel and ovary 0.8 cm long. Flowers c. 4 cm across. Dorsal sepal 2.55 cm by 2 mm; mentum c. 0.4 cm long, obtuse. Petals 1.9 cm by 1 mm. Lip 3-lobed, when flattened 1.3 by 0.35 cm; midlobe at the apex drawn out into a 0.5 cm long hair-like appendage. Column 0.3 cm long; column-foot 0.4 cm long.
(after Smith, 1929).

Colours: Not recorded.

Habitat: Epiphyte(?) near the coast, growing fully exposed.

Flowering time in the wild: August.

Distribution: New Guinea (endemic).

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

Map: NIMIUMAP.JPG [Dendrobium nimium J.J.Sm., distribution map.]

Notes: Dendrobium nimium is a distinctive member of sect. Grastidium because of the thread-like apex of the lip.

Cultivation: Warm growing epiphyte, prefers light position.

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