About Dendrobium teretifolium R.Br.
Dendrobium teretifolium R.Br. is an epiphytic or lithophytic herb. It has hanging, zig-zagged, branched stems that measure 0.5–2 mm (0.02–0.08 in) long and 2–4 mm (0.08–0.2 in) wide, growing together to form bushy clumps. Its leaves are circular in cross-section, 300–600 mm (10–20 in) long and 4–6 mm in diameter, and they hang downwards. This species produces 50–100 mm (2–4 in) long flowering stems that each bear between three and fifteen crowded flowers. The flowers are white, cream-coloured, or greenish, 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) long and 30–40 mm (1–2 in) wide, with red or purplish markings at their centre. The sepals are 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) long, about 3 mm (0.1 in) wide, and spread widely apart from each other. Petals are a similar length to sepals but only about 1 mm (0.04 in) wide. The labellum is curved, 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) long, about 5 mm (0.20 in) wide, and has three lobes. The side lobes curve upwards, while the middle lobe has a long thin tip, crinkled edges, and three wavy ridges on its upper surface. Flowering occurs between July and August. Commonly called the thin pencil orchid, this plant can grow on rocks but most often grows on trees. In Queensland it prefers growing on hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii), and in New South Wales it prefers Casuarina glauca. It occurs along the coast and nearby ranges from near Calliope to Bega, and can be found growing in rainforest, along streams, and near mangroves.
