Synonyms
Platyclinis brevilabrata Rendle, J. Bot. 39: 173 (1901).
Acoridium brevilabratum (Rendle) Rolfe, Orchid Rev. 12: 220 (1904).
Dendrochilum brevilabratum (Rendle) Pfitzer in H.G.A.Engler (ed.), Pflanzenr., IV, 50 II B 7: 89 (1907).
Origin in the Wild
Sarawak
Elevation in the Wild
Unknown
Habitat in the Wild
The type species was collected in Baram District in Sarawak. Nothing else is known of its habitat and I could not find any further information about it.
The Plants Description
The rhizome is long, creeping and can branch; the pseudobulbs are spaced approximately 1-2cm apart along it. The pseudobulbs measure 4cm long and are wider in their middle than at each end. The pseudobulb colour at species level can vary from green, yellowish-green yellow or reddish-brown. The leaves at species level range in shape and can be lanceolate, linear-lanceolate, narrowly elliptic, oblong-elliptic and have acute apices.
The Inflorescence
The inflorescence is usually erect but can arch. The peduncle is virtually non-existent and measures less than 1cm long. The inflorescence is heteranthus and grows from the base of a pseudobulb.
The Flowers
The flowers open widely and the colours vary. The sepals’ measure 5.5-6mm long, the sepals vary in shape but are usually shaped oblong-linear; the lateral sepals appear remotely falcate. The petals are slightly shorter and are a spatulate shape. The labellum is entire and narrowed at its centre. There are three keels; the two lateral keels terminate at the centre of the labellum; the median keel is much shorter. The column is curved and has a bidentate apical hood. The stelidia emerge from the base of the column and are equal to or exceed the apical hood.
Herbarium Specimens
Holotype
BM
Isotype
E
Other herbarium specimens
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K)
Specimen K000078168 (unknown type material)
Specimen K000078170 (unknown type material)
Scent
I could find no record.
Flowering Season
The Hose 52 specimen was collected in flower during October.
Culture
I do not think this species is in cultivation.
Similar species
Dendrochilum gravenhorstii
Dendrochilum crassum
Dendrochilum pallidiflavens var. pallidiflavens
Dendrochilum pallidiflavens var. oblongum
Additional Comments
This varieties of Dendrochilum pallidiflavens can be distinguished from each other by the keels. Var oblongum has an oblong or ovate oblong shaped labellum and three keels. Var brevilabratum has 3 keels.
Dendrochilum pallidiflavens var. brevilabratum also differs from var. pallidiflavens and var. oblongum by its stelidia that are equal to or exceed the column apex and the longer sepals.
The epithet refers to the short labellum.
Reference –
WOOD, Jeffrey. Dendrochilum of Borneo, 2001. Natural History Publications (Borneo), Malaysia.
World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 15 January 2009. The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet; http://www.kew.org/wcsp/ accessed 15 January 2009.