What is Dendrobium libingtaoi?
Epiphytic herbaceous plants of the genus Dendrobium in the family Orchidaceae
Dendrobium libingtaoi (scientific name: *Dendrobium libingtaoi*) is an epiphytic herbaceous plant belonging to the Dendrobium genus within the Orchidaceae family.
It was formally described and published in 2023 by researchers Xu Qian and Liu Zhijun.
This species is classified as a Class II nationally protected plant in China, primarily distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of Yunnan Province. It grows epiphytically on forest tree trunks at elevations around 1,500 meters. Its stem is cylindrical, with leaves arranged in two rows and densely covered in black hairs. Flowering occurs in October, producing white flowers with a lip bearing pale red spots.
Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Dendrobium libingtaoi is a sister species to D. draconis within the same genus, belonging to the Formosae group.
This discovery provides significant data for research on the diversity of Dendrobium species.
About Dendrobium libingtaoi
Scientific name: Dendrobium libingtaoi
Protection Level: National Grade II
Distribution Area: Yunnan Province
Blooming period: October
Elevation: Approximately 1,500 meters
Classification group: Formosae group
Morphological Characteristics
Bingtao Dendrobium is an epiphytic herb with a cylindrical, erect, unbranched stem measuring 15–33 cm in length.
Leaves are arranged in two rows, alternate, leathery, and densely covered with short black hairs on both surfaces.
The inflorescence is lateral on the upper stem, bearing 1–3 flowers; flowers are white, with an ovate lip bearing two yellow calluses below the middle and densely dotted with pale red spots above.
Taxonomic research
The primary differences between this species and the closely related D. draconis are: narrowly elliptic petals (long-elliptic in the latter), obtuse apices of the lateral lobes of the lip (acuminate in the latter), and distinct patterns of coloration on the lip.
Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and matK gene sequences confirms that Dendrobium bingtao forms a sister group with D. draconis, both belonging to the Formosae section within the Dendrobium genus.
Ecology and Distribution
The type specimen was collected from Malipo County, Yunnan Province, growing epiphytically on forest tree trunks at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters.
Current distribution records indicate that this species is restricted to Yunnan Province, consistent with the tropical and subtropical distribution patterns typical of most Dendrobium species.
Its epiphytic habitat requires high air humidity and diffused light, commonly found in valley monsoon forests and evergreen broad-leaved forests.
Protection Rating
According to official data released in 2025, Dendrobium bingtaoensis has been listed as a Class II nationally protected plant in China, classified as a rare and endangered species.
This conservation status is closely linked to factors such as its restricted distribution range, low population numbers, and habitat fragmentation.
