Bulbophyllum fletcherianum Rolfe, Orchid Rev. 22 (1911) 164
Type: Fletcher cult. s.n. (5-V-1911)
Large epiphyte. Rhizome stout; pseudobulbs close-set, subglobose or quadrangular, somewhat compressed, transversely wrinkled, 2-5.5 cm across, 1-leaved. Leaves sessile, elliptic or oblong, obtuse, coriaceous, 5-35 cm long, 3-10 cm wide. Inflorescence arising from the base of the pseudobulb, short, stout, almost umbellate, 5- to 7-flowered. Pedicel 1.9 cm long. Sepals in the basal part incurved, ovate-oblong, acuminate, somewhat concave, 6.2-6.9 cm long. Lateral sepals recurved, connate in the middle, lanceolate-oblong, finely acuminate and free towards their tips, 9.4-10 cm long, margins revolute. Petals ovate, subacute with an acuminate tip, almost 2.5 cm long. Lip clawed, rather fleshy, cordate-ovate, tip recurved and somewhat obtuse, about 0.8 cm long; adaxially with two obtuse keels. Column broad, about 0.8 cm long; stelidia short, acute. (After Rolfe, 1915)
Colours: Pseudobulbs streaked with purple lines. Leaves glaucous, purple-edged. Flowers suffused and blotched with purple; fetid.
Habitat: Epiphyte in lowland forest; also on steep rocks; 400-500 m.
Flowering time in the wild: April.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Indonesia); Papua New Guinea; see map 96-666M.jpg.
Cultivation: Warm growing epiphyte.