Synonyms
None
Origin in the Wild
Sumatra
Elevation in the Wild
1,500-1,700 metres
Habitat in the Wild
This species has been collected in Lampung and Mount Kerinci.
The type specimen of Dendrochilum acuminatum var. laxum was collected on Mount Talang.
The Plants Description
The rhizome is long and pendent. The pseudobulbs are spaced a distance apart, are a cylindrical shape, c4.8cm long and c0.5cm in diameter. The leaves are petiolate, the petiole measures 0.8cm long. The leaf blade is shaped lanceolate with an acute apex, 12cm long and 2.3 wide and widest at the base. The leaf margins are slightly undulate.
The Inflorescence
The inflorescence is synanthous and grows from nearly mature pseudobulbs. The inflorescence measures 16cm long, the peduncle measures to 6cm long. The rachis is arching. The flowers are4 spaced 1.5mm apart.
The Flowers
The flowers are pale green and measure 5.5mm across. The sepals are shaped lanceolate with acuminate apices, 3.7mm long and 1mm wide. The petals are smaller. The labellum is entire and shaped oblong-rhomboid with a long acuminate-acute apex. The labellum is concave and has two short calli at its base. The labellum measures 2.5mm long and 1mm wide. The column is short and curved; the apical hood has an erose margin. The stelidia grow from the base of the column are long, linear shaped and exceed the apical hood.
Herbarium Specimens
Isotype
National Herbarium Netherlands, Leiden (L)
Specimen L0058470 (photo) (Dendrochilum acuminatum var. laxum)
Other herbarium specimens
National Herbarium Netherlands, Leiden (L)
Scent
Jim Comber wrote that this species is fragrant.
Flowering Season
I could find no record of variety acuminatum but variety laxum has been collected during November.
Culture
I do not think this species is in cultivation.
Similar Species
Dendrochilum elegans
Dendrochilum longicaule (see this page for differences)
Other Information
This species can be distinguished from other Dendrochilum by its long rhizomes and its long acuminate labellum.
Reference
COMBER, J.B. Orchids of Sumatra, 2001, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. 22 September 2008. The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet; http://www.kew.org/wcsp/ accessed 22 September 2008.