Dendrobium, with approximately 1580 species, is one of the most diverse genera in the orchid family. Its natural range extends from Japan south across the Pacific to Tahiti and New Zealand, and from China and India to New Guinea and Australia.
Borneo is one of several ‘hot spots’ of Dendrobium speciation. With approximately 167 named species in 15 sections, Borneo is the second most important location after New Guinea of Dendrobium speciation in Malesia. Eighty-three species, representing a selection from each of the 15 sections, are described and figured in this guide. Most occur as epiphytes in hill and lower montane forest at moderate elevation, mostly between about 900 and 1600 m. An account of all the Dendrobiums occurring in Borneo is currently in preparation.
The sections highlighted are
Amblyanthus
Aporum
Bolbodium
Calcarifera
Calyptrochilus
Conostalix
Crumenata
Dendrobium
Distichophyllae
Formosae
Fugacia
Grastidium
Latouria
Pedilonum
Platycaulon
Allied Genera included are Cadetia , Diplocaulobium, Epigeneium and Flickingeria
