About Dendrobium striolatum Rchb.f.
Dendrobium striolatum Rchb.f., commonly called the streaked rock orchid, is a lithophytic orchid that produces upright or pendent stems and leaves. Its stems are wiry, often yellowish, reaching up to 600 mm (20 in) in length and 2 mm (0.08 in) in width. The leaves are linear and cylindrical, measuring 40–120 mm (2–5 in) long and 2–4 mm (0.079–0.16 in) wide. This species produces 10–35 mm (0.4–1 in) long flowering stems that bear one or two flowers. Individual flowers are 12–16 mm (0.47–0.63 in) long and 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) wide. The sepals and petals are yellow, cream-coloured, or greenish, with reddish streaks on their backs and on the front portion of their bases. Sepals are 8–14 mm (0.31–0.55 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.079–0.12 in) wide, while petals are a similar length to sepals but only around 1 mm (0.039 in) wide. The labellum is 9–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in) long, 3–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide, and strongly curved. The labellum has short, blunt side lobes, and its middle lobe has crinkled edges and three wavy ridges along its midline. Flowering of Dendrobium striolatum occurs from September to November. This orchid grows on rocks, boulders, and cliffs. Its distribution ranges from the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, through eastern Victoria, to Tasmania, including Cape Barren Island and Flinders Island.
