NEW SOUTH WALES FLORA ONLINE

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Description: Epiphyte with stems spreading to pendent, thin and wiry in the basal half, succulent, swollen and square in cross section in the upper half, tapering towards apex, rooting only at base, 6–45 cm long, 7–9 mm diam., with 2–5 leaves at apex; roots smooth, creeping.

Leaves spreading to erect, elliptic, 3–8 cm long, 15–25 mm wide, conduplicate, acuminate, thin, smooth.

Inflorescences 0.5–4 cm long, 1–5-flowered. Sepals green to deep dull yellow, usually with reddish margins or other markings; lateral petals green to deep dull yellow; dorsal sepal 19–30 mm long, 2–3 mm wide; labellum cream, usually with reddish striations, 8–10 mm long, 6–8 mm wide. Column 2.5–4 mm long; column foot 5–6 mm long.

Flowering: September to October

Distribution and occurrence: Grows on rainforest trees and along streams; coastal districts, north from the Illawarra region.
NSW subdivisions: NC, CC
Other Australian states: Qld

AVH map***

Dendrobium tetragonum comprises a range of morphotypes, and these have been formally recognised as varieties or species. While there is no doubt that plants of D. tetragonum recognised as separate taxa in south-eastern Australia differ in flower shape, size, and colour, but whether those differences reflect separate species status has not been addressed empirically. Therefore we adopt a conservative stance on the circumscription of D. tetragonum which treats morphotypes in New South Wales as varieties. Publication of empirical evidence supporting separate species status for these varieties will result in their being recognised as such.