Dendrobium Orchid

Description:

Dendrobium is a genus of mostly epiphytic and lithophytic orchids in the family Orchidaceae. This specimen was epiphytic, meaning it was growing on a tree. I find the last photo quite interesting as it shows the roots the orchid grows to attach itself to another plant. Dendrobium x superbiens is the primary hybrid of Dendrobium bigibbum and Dendrobium discolor - a combination well reflected in the magenta pink color and twisting petals and sepals. Both parent species are native to northeastern Australia (Queensland) and Dendrobium discolor extends its range into New Guinea.

Habitat:

This spotting was at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Mt. Coot-tha, in a well-established sub-tropical rainforest section of the gardens. This particular area of the gardens is known as the Melaleuca Wetlands.

Notes:

I went online and asked some of my plant-savvy buddies if they knew what species of orchid this could be. The response was "superbiens if it’s a man made hybrid ... x superbiens if it’s a natural hybrid." Dendrobium x superbiens (discolor x bigibbum). See 2nd reference for description of this species plus images.