Dendrobium densiflorum

Densely flowered dendrobium

Dendrobium densiflorum, commonly known as the dense-flowered dendrobium, is a remarkable medicinal orchid native to subtropical regions. Renowned in traditional practices, its pseudobulbs are harvested for their therapeutic properties, often used to nourish the body, clear heat, and support respiratory health through their unique bioactive compounds and nutrients.

  • Scientific name: Dendrobium densiflorum
  • Family: Orchidaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Orchidaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Dendrobium, specifically the species Dendrobium densiflorum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Orchidaceae WCVP
Genus Dendrobium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Dendrobium densiflorum, is recognized by various regional names across different linguistic traditions. In Chinese, it is widely referred to as 密花石斛, a name used consistently across the Simplified Chinese (zh-hans), Traditional Chinese (zh-hant), Cantonese/Hong Kong (zh-hk), and general Chinese (zh) language codes. Additionally, in the Meitei language, it is known as ꯃꯦꯂꯩ ꯂꯩꯁꯅꯥ (mni).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 密花石斛 Wikidata
zh-hant 密花石斛 Wikidata
zh-hk 密花石斛 Wikidata
zh 密花石斛 Wikidata
mni ꯃꯦꯂꯩ ꯂꯩꯁꯅꯥ Wikidata
zh-cn 密花石斛 Wikidata
zh-tw 密花石斛 Wikidata
my Ta Hkaing Lone Shwe Wikidata
ja デンドロビウム・デンシフロラム Wikidata
az Callista guibertii Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range stretching across several distinct regions of Asia. In China, its presence is noted in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Furthermore, its distribution extends into the high-altitude regions of Tibet. Beyond mainland China, the species can also be found within the Indian Subcontinent, specifically in Assam. Together, these locations highlight the varied habitats where the species thrives.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China Hainan WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
China Tibet WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Dendrobium densiflorum, is an epiphytic orchid characterized by its specialized growth structure, particularly its stems. These stems function as pseudobulbs, serving as essential storage organs that hold water and nutrients to help the plant survive fluctuations in moisture availability within its tropical habitat. The stems are typically elongated and fleshy, providing the structural support necessary for the plant to anchor itself to host trees while facilitating the upward growth required to reach optimal light levels.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Dendrobium densiflorum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 6,7-methylenedioxy-3,4-dihydrobenzopyran-2-one, 7-hydroxy-2-methoxy-1,4-phenanthrenedione, dendroflorin.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
6,7-methylenedioxy-3,4-dihydrobenzopyran-2-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
7-hydroxy-2-methoxy-1,4-phenanthrenedione 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dendroflorin 1 ★☆☆☆☆