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Dendrobium Sonia

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Infraspecific Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Comments

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 Of horticultural origin.
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form An epiphyte, it has a sympodial growth form. It is a type of dendrobium phalaenopsis, resembling the form of a phalaenopsis orchid.
Flowers The fragrant flowers are held on axillary racemes. The flowers has purple sepals and petals, turning white towards the base. The flower lip is dark purple. 
Taxonomy It is a hybrid of Dendrobium Caesar and Dendrobium Tomie Drake. 
Cultivation It is best grown under partial to light shad and requires a freely draining growing medium with good aeration, such as charcoal. 
Ethnobotanical Uses Cut - Dried Flower: This orchid is often used to make floral necklaces in Hawaii which are known as leis, as well as cut flower arrangements. The flowers are said to be edible and are sometimes used as a garnish. 

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant (Flowers)
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens, Container Planting

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade
Water Preference Moderate Water
Maintenance Requirements Moderate
Propagation Method Division, Aerial Plantlet

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Papery
Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) Green
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Sessile
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong)
Foliar Venation Parallel
Foliar Margin Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip Acute
Foliar Base Acute

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Purple, White
Flower Texture(s) Waxy
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Flower Symmetry Bilateral
Inflorescence Type Raceme
Flowering Period Free-Flowering

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 32094
Species ID 6500
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.
Species record last updated on: 20 April 2020.
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