Do you know what the flowers of Dendrobium bannaense look like?
Banna Dendrobium (scientific name: *Dendrobium bannaense*) is a new species of orchid in the Dendrobium genus discovered in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, in 2017.
It grows epiphytically on forest trees at an altitude of approximately 750 meters.
The plant stands 3.0–9.0 cm tall with narrow oblong leaves. Its flowering period peaks in May, featuring white-lipped flowers with purple stripes and no deep purple spots.
Classified as a Class II nationally protected wild plant, it was showcased as a rare orchid species at the 2024 Shanghai (International) Flower Show.
Name：Dendrobium bannaense
Stem diameter: 5.0–8.0 mm
Leaf dimensions: 3.5–5.5 × 0.7–1.2 cm
Protection Level: National Grade II
Discovery date: 2017
Classification Status
Banna Dendrobium is a perennial epiphytic herbaceous plant belonging to the Dendrobium genus within the Orchidaceae family.
Its scientific name is *Dendrobium bannaense Y. Q. Tian & Y. B. Huang*, with the specific epithet “bannaense” derived from the Latinized name of its native region, Xishuangbanna.
Morphological Characteristics
Plant: Erect or ascending growth habit; stems 3.0–9.0 cm long, 5.0–8.0 mm in diameter, with multiple nodes.
Leaves: Narrowly elliptic, 3.5–5.5 cm long, 0.7–1.2 cm wide, leathery in texture.
Flower parts: Sepals and petals purple; lip white with a purple stripe in the middle; a ridged thickening structure beneath the disc distinguishes it from the closely related species Dendrobium purpureopetalum
Distribution and Habitat
This species is currently known only from Xishuangbanna Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China, where it epiphytically grows on the bark surfaces of tropical seasonal rainforest trees at elevations around 750 meters.
Its distribution area overlaps with the zones of limestone seasonal rainforests and riparian seasonal rainforests.
Protect the status quo
Since 2021, Dendrobium xishuangbanna has been listed as a Class II protected species in the National List of Key Protected Wild Plants .
Its wild populations face threats due to deforestation and excessive harvesting. By 2024, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences had achieved ex situ conservation of this species through artificial introduction, successfully cultivating flowering individuals in a low-altitude (580 meters) artificial environment.
Research and Conservation
At the 2024 Shanghai (International) Flower Show, Xishuangbanna Dendrobium was showcased as a representative of rare orchid species, highlighting its scientific value in biodiversity conservation.
The research team at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is exploring innovative applications of its germplasm resources through hybrid cultivation techniques.
Ecological Significance
As a new species within the genus Dendrobium, the discovery of Xishuangbanna Dendrobium enriches the orchid flora records of China.
Its epiphytic habit on specific tree species, such as Schima trees, holds significant implications for research on tropical rainforest ecosystems.
