The husk-like dendrochilum

Description

Dendrochilum glumaceum, the hay-scented orchid or husk-like dendrochilum, was described by John Lindley in 1841. It is an elegant looking epiphytic or lithophytic dendrochilum that occurs in the Philippines and Borneo at altitudes between 700 and 2,300 m. This species possesses long feathery pendulous spikes containing two rows of pure white flowers, with yellow to orange lips, that emerge on each new growth. From each conical to ovoid pseudobulb grows an erect, single, long, oblanceolate leaf This species can be grown in pots and prefers intermediate temperatures and moderate to bright light. There are several cultivars available : 'Broad Leaf', 'OHG', 'Orange and White Ring' and 'Orange Lip'. 'White Ring' and 'White with Orange Lip'. Dendrochilum (commonly abbreviated Ddc. in horticulture) is a genus of epiphytic, lithophytic and a few terrestrial flowering plants in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). The name of this genus is derived from Ancient Greek words dendron ("tree"), and either cheilos ("lip")or chilos ("green food"),alluding to either the flowers' large lip or to their epiphytic growth. These orchids are popular among fans of non-traditional orchid curiosities. They are distributed at higher elevations in the humid rainforests throughout the Malesian region, with some in the surrounding lands; thus they occur from Southeast Asia to New Guinea. But most species are found on Borneo or the Philippines. This genus produces miniature, fragrant, star-shaped flowers that are generally produced in two rows on erect or arching pendant, many-flowered racemes. These inflorescences can grow to a length of 50 cm (20 in) (e.g. in the Hay-scented Orchid, D. glumaceum). The stems are ovoid to cylindrical, striped, sharply reduced pseudobulbs, about 4–10 cm (1.6–3.9 in) long, with green to brown bracts at their base. Each carries one or two tough, erect and lanceolate leaves, usually about 20 cm (7.9 in) long, with narrow petioles. The elliptical leaves of the Long-leaved Dendrochilum (D. longifolium) may grow to a length of 40 cm (16 in).