Genetic resources of Chinese native <i>Dendrobium</i> : Current insights and future directions

Abstract Dendrobium is one of the largest genera in Orchidaceae, comprising approximately 1621 accepted species worldwide, including 96 species native to China, and is of considerable ornamental and medicinal value. In this review, we summarize Chinese native Dendrobium germplasm resources and analyse hybrid breeding patterns based on records from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and OrchidWiz databases. As of 1 January 2026, 18,085 Dendrobium hybrids have been registered, of which 1035 involve Chinese native species as parents. There is a clear sectional imbalance in the RHS hybrid registration records, with breeding resources heavily concentrated within Sect. Dendrobium particularly D. nobile and D. moniliforme , while most other sections remain underutilized in crossing practices. The uneven exploitation of Dendrobium sections stems not from poor germplasm potential, but from the absence of phylogeny-directed parental selection. In addition, some native species from Sect. Densiflora , such as D. lindleyi, D. densiflorum and D. thyrsiflorum , exhibit high ornamental value but remain underutilized in hybrid combinations. By integrating hybrid registration data, award records and progeny performance, we identify key constraints in the hybrid breeding of Chinese native Dendrobium and propose strategies emphasizing systematic germplasm conservation and evaluation, phylogeny-guided parent selection, and the application of modern breeding technologies. This review provides a reference for improving hybrid breeding efficiency and promoting the sustainable utilization of Chinese native Dendrobium germplasm resources.