Dendrobium draconis

[pheli]

Elegant! I also like its perfume.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

Thanks Becca!

Steve - nigro-hirsutes/formosae dendrobiums all have little black hairs on the canes (nigro-hirsute = black-hair) with the exception of dendrobium senile, which has white hairs!

They're usually white, yellow or green, with distinctively striking orange or red splashes in the throats. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the great thing is that a majority of them are quite small and compact. I don't know why, but I find this section of dendrobiums really cool and interesting. Maybe it's the red and white combo...I am canadian after all My favorite species in the group is probably either draconis, or tobaense.

H&R carries many formosae hybrids so you might want to check em out! I got my Dend Lori's Star as well as Frosty Dawn from them.

In terms of fragrance, only a few are fragrant. Draconis and christyanum are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I have Peng Seng (tobaense x cruentum) which smells slightly bad (although it's quite faint).

I thought these looked familiar! Youre right about H&R having lots of these, but I guess I have always called them "Formosum types." I had never heard them called the "nigro-hirsute types" before which threw me. Thanks for the info! I might have to take a little trip down to H&R soon.....

[quiltergal]

Calvin, this one is very interesting, the form especially. I think they smell kind of like a 50/50 bar....orange and vanilla.

Yep, I'm a hair ball fan too, though I only have one large hybrid. I need to find some of the more compact species.

[shakkai]

I'm with you Terri... and I think draconis just went on my list!!

I think I like them because 1) they are attractive even when not in flower and 2) the pristine white flowers contrasted with the splash of colour in the lip just screams 'classic orchid' to me - and I have not luck growing (esp. blooming) Catts, which this flower form resembles.

Thanks, Calvin, for sharing this one with us!

[RosieC]

I'm totally in love with that flower... wow

[LauraN]

Very nice! and great photo too!
After seeing your photo, I had to run out and look at my plant, but alas...nothing happening yet...