Kr nzlin elevated this sub-section of Dendrobium to genus rank. Refers to the dimorphic form of the pseudobulbs of the type species. Flowers are borne singly and these may last often only one day. The often star-shaped flowers are quite large and when the plant flowers it may flower profusely, all at the same time. One of the most spectacular species of the genus is D. regale which occurs in the high altitude mist forest.
Flowers are dark rose-red, the lip is white with purple stripes, the column is white.
The species in this genus are found from sea level to high alpine forests.