New orchid species discovered in Thailand: Dendrobium Obchantiae

Dendrobium obchantiae

Image Credit: Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University (Image Link)

There are an estimated 30,000 species of orchids, and hundreds of new orchid species are discovered each year. A group from Chulalungkorn University in Thailand and the Department of National Park Wildlife and Plant Conservation published a paper in April describing a new species of dendrobium which grows in the mixed deciduous forests of northern Thailand.

Dendrobium obchantiae full plant view

Photo by W. Buddhawong

Image Credit: Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University (Image Link)

Dendrobium obchantiae closeup
Image Credit: Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University (Image Link)

Authors: Phattaravee Prommanut, Somran Suddee, Manit Kidyoo

Published in Phytotaxa (April 27, 2018)

A narrow endemic new species of Dendrobium sect. Stachyobium from Thailand (Orchidaceae: Malaxideae)

A display of dendrobiums

Dendrobium hodgkinsonii

In my final installment featuring orchid photos from the US Botanic Garden in DC, I am exploring the variety of dendrobium species and hybrids that were on display during my visits.  These orchids are some of my favorite genera, though I'll admit that I've had very limited luck growing them myself.  

Dendrobium hodgkinsonii closeup

Dendrobium catenatum

Dendrobium catenatum

Dendrobium ceraula older bloom

Dendrobium ceraula new blossom

This Dendrobium ceraula was one of the bluer orchids I've ever seen in the Dendrobium genus.  The newest blossoms come out with a lovely cerulean hue, which fades to pink as the blossoms age.

Dendrobium Genting Royal

dendrobium haleahi butterfly x00006 x dendrobium jaqueline thomas 

dendrobium haleahi butterfly x00006 x dendrobium jaqueline thomas 

Dendrobium Jaqueline Thomas Uniwai Prince

Dendrobium pseudolamellatum

 Dendrobium pseudolamellatum is a tiny flower.  The species is an epiphyte native to Borneo.

Dendrobium pseudolamellatum whole plant view

Dendrobium spectabile closeup

Dendrobium spectabile is one of my favorite orchid species.  I love its giant twisted flowers, that look like something out of an alien movie, and defy my attempts to capture them in focus in my photographs.  This orchid truly has to be seen in person to make sense.

Dendrobium spectabile whole plant view

New York Orchid Show 2017: Thailand

New York Orchid Show 2017: Thailand

My favorite time of year has come around yet again.  The days are getting warmer and lighter, and the orchid show has opened at the New York Botanical Garden.  This year's theme is Thailand.  The show's typical lush displays of color feature many Vanda orchids, which are native to Southeast Asia.

I'll be putting up many more pictures from the show in the coming days, but here is a preview of what is to come:

I got to the garden right as it was opening, avoiding much of the crowds that would descend on the orchid show later in the day.

Phalaenopsis orchids arranged to resemble palm trees

Miniature orchids display

Deep purple variety of Dendrobium kingianum

  

Zygopetalum flowers

A rainbow of vandas so colorful, they don't even look quite real

Dendrobium hybrid

Many colors of dendrobium hybrids

Morning light shines through Oncostele Wildcat

More Oncostele Wildcat flowers