Morphophysical Analysis and Horticultural Assessment of 10 Dendrobium Species

The Dendrobium genus represents the second largest and most morphologically diverse group within the Orchidaceae family, renowned for its ornamental and economic significance in global floriculture. Despite its commercial prominence, comprehensive evaluations of underutilized Dendrobium species for horticultural suitability, particularly under controlled cultivation, remain scarce. This study systematically assessed the vegetative and floral variability of 10 Dendrobium species ( D. huoshanense , D. chrysanthum , D. parishii , D. thyrsiflorum , D. moschatum , D. anosmum , D. bigibbum , D. wattii , D. densiflorum , and D. brymerianum ) under partial greenhouse conditions, elucidating their phenotypic plasticity and potential for breeding and commercialization. Employing a completely randomized block design with 10 replicates per species, 44 morphological traits were analyzed, revealing significant interspecific variation. D. wattii , D. anosmum , and D. moschatum exhibited the tallest plant height, whereas D. bigibbum was the most compact. Leaf morphology varied substantially, with D. chrysanthum producing the highest leaf number/pseudobulb and D. densiflorum displaying the broadest leaves. Floral traits were most pronounced in D. anosmum , while D. huoshanense showed the least ornamental floral development. Correlation analyses indicated strong positive associations between plant height, internode number/pseudobulb, and key floral metrics, whereas internode diameter exhibited negative correlations. Hierarchical clustering delineated four distinct phenotypic groups, with D. huoshanense forming a unique outlier. These findings underscore the untapped diversity within Dendrobium , providing critical insights for selective breeding, conservation, and tailored cultivation strategies. This study bridges a critical knowledge gap in orchid horticulture, offering a foundation for the commercial exploitation of underutilized species with superior ornamental traits and adaptability to greenhouse production systems.