Bulbophyllum
Bulbophyllum is an extremely large genus with an estimated 1877 species. Of these 291 occur in Africa with 4 represented in South Africa. Predominantly epiphtyic, some species lithophytic. Species are sympodial with branching, creeping rhizomes bearing spherical to conical pseudobulbs with one or two terminal leaves. Plants vegetatively propagate, sometimes forming large mats. The inflorescence grows from the base of the pseudobulb and carries one to many flowers. Flowers are often borne opposite each other on a stalk which is sometimes flattened in a shape of a blade. Flowers are normally small, brownish-red in colour with the lateral sepals often fused to form a chin-like extension.
Credit
Johnson, S.D., Bytebier, B., Stärker, H. (2010). Orchids of South Africa: A field guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town, South Africa.
Bulbophyllum sandersonii
- Bulbophyllum sandersonii by Lourens Grobler
Description
Slender to fairly robust epiphyte or lithophyte, with long rhizomes 2-3mm in diameter between pseudobulbs Pseudobulbs ovoid to narrowly conical, 30-50mm apart. Two leaves per pseudobulb, leathery to almost fleshy, strap-shaped to elliptic-oblong. Inflorescence lateral, erect about 100-150mm tall. Flowers borne in two rows, dull violet or green with purplish dots.
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