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Taxon
Bulbophyllum maximum
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Common name:
The Largest Bubophyllum
Family:
Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae
Synonym:
Bulbophyllum nyassanum, Bulbophyllum oxypterum, Bulbophyllum platyrhachis
Distribution:
Tropical Africa
Habitat:
Woodlands, riverine forests; 1970-6870ft (600-2100m)
Life form:
Epiphytic
Bloom characteristics:
Erect inflorescence is 20" (51 cm) long with 50 successively opening flowers. Flower is .25" (.6 cm) across or less.
Fragrance:
Musky
Description:
This is a small orchid which does not at first glance look like it belongs in the orchid family at all. Rather than having big, showy flowers, the Largest Bulbophyllum has long, bumpy inflorescences that look a bit like flattened snakes. When it is time for the orchid to bloom, each bump opens one after the other to reveal a tiny, perfect orchid flower.
Comments:
Bulbophyllum maximum
Links:
Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia
•
Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
Locations
1:
National Portrait Gallery Kogod Courtyard
(NPGKC)
• Accession: 2015-0798*A • Provenance: From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin
Area
Individual