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Dendrobium secundum (Blume) Lindl. ex Wall.
| Family Name: | Orchidaceae |
| Common Name: | Toothbrush Orchid, Sikat gigi |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi and Philippines, |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Presumed Nationally Extinct (NEx)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A sympodial, epiphytic orchid. |
|---|---|
| Stems | Its stems are upright but turn pendulous as they age. |
| Flowers | The waxy flowers are borne on an inflorescence which grows at the apex or old, leafless stems and are arranged, facing a single direction and are usually purple or pink in colour. |
| Cultivation | It is best grown under partial sun. The roots should be allowed to dry out between watering sessions. It is ideally grown mounted or in a small pot so as to accommodate its pendulous growth habit. |
| Etymology | The common name Sikat gigi or Toothbrush Orchid is due to its flower inflorescence in which the flowers are arranged facing a single direction. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Division, Tissue Culture |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31489 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5886 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
