Dendrobium
Epiphytic or rock-dwelling. Stems either (i) wiry with leaf and stem produced at each fork, or (ii) thick (referred to as pseudobulbs), unbranched, with terminal leaves. Leaves linear to broad, variously shaped. Inflorescence terminal; flowers single, paired or racemose. Sepals more or less equal, lateral sepals unequally dilated at the base, joined with column foot to form a chin-like extension at base of flower (sometimes called the 'mentum'); petals narrower than sepals but similar in length. Labellum 3-lobed, base joined to apex of column foot, without a spur; lateral lobes variable, erect; lamina callus consisting of 1–3 central ridges. Column with pronounced foot, apex of column with 2 short, more or less erect teeth, not winged.
More than 1,400 species, distributed throughout the west Pacific region; about 60 species in Australia, 2 extending southward into Victoria.
Recent taxonomic work resulting in the splitting of Dendrobium into many smaller segregate genera has not gained acceptance.
Spinning
