A new Dendrobium, D. gracilipes, from the Rhio Archipelago
This is a brief taxonomic note by I. H. Burkill describing a new orchid species, Dendrobium gracilipes, collected in the Rhio Archipelago and cultivated in Singapore.
Summary
Burkill describes D. gracilipes as a slender, graceful orchid closely allied to D. longipes and D. macropodium, but distinguished by its more delicate habit, narrower petals, and straighter lateral lobes of the labellum (p. 46). The labellum’s lateral lobes fold upward to form a rectangular tunnel for pollinating insects, while the mid lobe features a bright yellow centre contrasting with purple and reddish-brown markings; the remainder of the flower is ivory white. Burkill notes that the flower superficially suggests a Coelogyne (p. 46).