Diplocaulobium vanilliodorum

Diplocaulobium vanilliodorum (J.J.Sm.) A.D.Hawkes, Lloydia 20 (1957) 130.

Basionym: Dendrobium vanilliodorum.

Rhizome strongly branching. Pseudobulbs 0.8-1.5 cm apart, 1-leaved, base fusiform, 1.1-1.6 by 0.45-6 cm, upper part very slender, 2.3-5.2 by 0.45-0.6 cm. Leaves linear-lanceolate, 4.5-6.5 by 0.72-0.9 cm, coriaceous, apex almost equally bidentate. Inflorescences terminal, 1-flowered, spathe lanceolate, 1.2-1.5 cm long. Pedicel 4 cm long; ovary 0.3 cm long. Flower 3-3.8 cm across. Dorsal sepal 2.4 cm by 4 mm; mentum 0.6 cm long, truncate. Petals 2.1 cm by 1.8 mm. Lip 3-lobed, 1.15 by 0.53 cm, with two verruculose-papillose keels; midlobe glabrous, 0.53 by 0.43 cm. Column 0.25 cm long.
(after Smith, 1916).

Colours: Sepals and petals white with yellowish tips, lip white, the lateral lobes with dark purple spots, midlobe in the centre yellow.

Habitat: Epiphytic in rain forest in the lowlands.

Flowering time in the wild: February.

Distribution: New Guinea (endemic).

Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Merauke Regency: Lorentz River).

Notes: Diplocaulobium vanilliodorum belongs in the affinity of Diplocaulobium phalangium and is said to be distinguished by the glabrous midlobe and vanilla-scented flowers.

Cultivation: Warm growing epiphyte.

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