Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis

Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis is native to western New Guinea and is one of the largest orchids in the world.

It grows in lowland rainforests at altitudes of 0 to 500 metres above sea level on the branches of large trees.

It grows as a compact plant and does not have long rhizomes between the pseudobulbs. The pseudobulbs are rounded, slightly oval and grow up to 15 cm in size. Each pseudobulb bears just one of the leathery leaves, which can be up to 150 cm long and 12 to 18 cm wide. The leaves are heavy, slightly thickened and must therefore be able to hang down. Their upper surface is covered with an irregular, white waxy coating known as ‘farina’. This layer rubs off easily on contact. In very bright light, the leaves may also take on a reddish hue.

Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis is a carrion flower. The inflorescences consist of 20 to 30 densely packed, fleshy, reddish individual flowers with striking yellow outgrowths resembling hairs. They give off an unpleasant carrion-like odour, particularly in the morning and at temperatures above 25°C. The inflorescence lasts for only about one week. Although the odour is unpleasant, it is not particularly intense compared to other carrion flowers such as Amorphophallus.