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Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., Bull. Dép. Agric. Indes Néerl. 19 (1908) 5

Type: Versteeg 1537 (South New Guinea) (holo BO 2x; iso AMES, K, L, P)

Rhizome patent to pendulous with more or less patent branches, up to c. 200 cm long, 0.8-1.8 mm diam.; rhizome scales of the longest internodes distinctly shorter than those internodes, leaving bare large portions of the rhizome. Roots generally close to the base of the rhizome, but occasionally sprouting along the entire rhizome. Pseudobulbs ellipsoid, to cylindrical, 1.3-31 cm apart, 0.51.8 by 0.1-0.4 cm, not flattened. Petiole 0.8-3 mm. Leaf blade ovate, 2.8-11.7 by 0.5-2.1 cm, index 3-12, tip acute to acuminate. Inflorescence 0.8-1.2 cm, (1-)2-flowered. Peduncle 0.1-0.3 cm; bracts c. 3, the longest 1.8-3 mm. Rachis 0.02 cm. Floral bracts ovate, 0.3-2.5 mm, tip obtuse to acuminate. Pedicel and ovary 1.2-2.5 mm, with the node 0.2-0.8 mm from the floral bract. Flowers open at the time, moderately opening. Median sepal ovate, 3.5-6 by 0.8-1.6 mm, index 3.5-5, tip acuminate; thin; glabrous. Lateral sepals free, ovate to triangular, 4.5-6.5 by 0.8-1.5 mm, index 3.6-6.5; otherwise as the median sepal. Petals (ob)ovate to elliptic, 1.2-2.1 by 0.5-1.3 mm, index 1.5-4.2, tip obtuse to acuminate; margins glabrous or finely erose; thin; surface glabrous. Lip approx. straight, general outline ovate, 1-1.7 by 0.3-0.7 mm, index 2.1-3.8 (not spread), tip obtuse; thick; glabrous; adx. concave and with 2 ridges converging in front near its base; abx. without a median ridge. Column from ovary to the tip of the stelidia 0.5-1 mm; stigma not protruding at its base, approx. orbicular; column-foot approx. without accessories. Stelidia triangular, tip acute. Anther abx. with a ridge towards its tip; front margin protruding. Pollinia 2. (After Vermeulen, 1993)


Plant dark green. Flowers cream-coloured or white.

Epiphyte in lower montane forest; 0-2800 m.

Malesia (New Guinea), Solomon Islands.

Papua (Indonesia); Papua New Guinea; see map

Distribution of Bulbophyllum dichotomum in New Guinea

Intermediate growing epiphyte.

January, July, October, November.

  • Smith, J.J., Nova Guinea 8, 1 (1909) 93, t. 31, fig. 101
  • Schlechter, R., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 855
  • Vermeulen, J.J., Orchid Monogr. 7 (1993) 118, fig. 75
  • Family Orchidaceae
  • Subfamily Epidendroideae
  • Tribe Dendrobieae
  • Subtribe Bulbophyllinae
  • Genus Bulbophyllum
  • Section Imitatores
  • Species Bulbophyllum dichotomum

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Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Overview picture of Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm.

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., plant habit, photo P. Jongejan, collection Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, cult. P. Jongejan 1347

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., flower, oblique lateral view, photo P. Jongejan, collection Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, cult. P. Jongejan 1347

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., flower detail, column and lip, lateral view, lateral sepal and petal removed, photo P. Jongejan, collection Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, cult. P. Jongejan 1347

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., stems with inflorescence, photo E.F. de Vogel, Leiden cult. 20032051 (de Vogel & all.), Papua New Guinea, Western Highlands Prov.

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., flowers, various views, photo E.F. de Vogel, Leiden cult. 20032051 (de Vogel & all.), Papua New Guinea, Western Highlands Prov.

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., flowers, various views, photo E.F. de Vogel, Leiden cult. 20032051 (de Vogel & all.), Papua New Guinea, Western Highlands Prov.

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., Orchid Monogr. 7 (1993) 117, fig. 75, J.J. Vermeulen, drawing, plant habit and flower analysis, based on Jongejan 1347

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., floral analysis, drawing J.J. Smith, from Versteeg 1537

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., herbarium sheet, Versteeg 1537 (South New Guinea) (holotype specimen BO)

Bulbophyllum dichotomum

Bulbophyllum dichotomum J.J.Sm., herbarium sheet, Versteeg 1537 (South New Guinea) (holotype specimen BO)