Smithsonian Gardens

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