Dendrobium hercoglossum - the rampart lip dendrobe
Unusual, in haviong no apparent anther cap ; hence the two dark spots , which make this flower attractive to many, are the actual pollinia. There is actually a part equivalent to the anther cap, but it does not extend over the pollinia, it seems. IOSPE illustrates two colour forms ,this is the paler one with dark pollinia, the other is cattleya pink with polliinia of the same colour.
I note that last year this plant ws in flower at the end of September ( it won me "best Dendrobe" at a show) so this year it is two months early. Don't know why.
Do look at the rampart lip - seen in the close up , almost as though a pollinator has to brave the jaws to go "over the top" to reach the prize - whatever that may be.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by otis226
