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Dendrobium bigibbum

Scientific Name: Dendrobium bigibbum

Family: Orchidaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dendrobium bigibbum: The Cooktown Orchid

Dendrobium bigibbum, commonly known as the Cooktown Orchid, is a captivating orchid species native to Australia and New Guinea. This orchid holds a special place as the floral emblem of Queensland, Australia.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Dendrobium bigibbum Lindley 1852
  • Common Name: Cooktown Orchid, Two-humped Dendrobium
  • Family: Orchidaceae (implied, as it's an orchid)
  • Synonyms:
    • Callista bigibba
    • Callista phalaenopsis
    • Callista sumneri
    • Dendrobium phalaenopsis (in some contexts, though this is also used for a distinct but related species)
    • Dendrobium bigibbum var. superbum Rchb.f.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to New Guinea and the Cape York Peninsula of Queensland, Australia.
  • Grows on the branches of small trees in scrubby habitats, including semi-deciduous vine forests and vine thickets, where it is somewhat protected from fire.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Dendrobium bigibbum is used to produce Phalaenopsis-type dendrobium hybrids.
  • There are multiple varieties of Dendrobium bigibbum, including var. superbum and var. compactum.

Quirky Facts

  • The species has a long and confused history, with different classifications including separate species, subspecies, varieties, and forms.
  • Dendrobium bigibbum flowers in autumn, unlike many other commonly cultivated orchids.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life (includes Wikipedia articles)
  • IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
  • Australian Plant Name Index
  • NYBG Virtual Herbarium
  • JSTOR