Bulbophyllum navicula Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 819
Type: Schlechter 17242 (holo B, lost; NB: Number also cited as paratype for Bulbophyllum xanthophaeum)
Epiphyte, with erect or suberect, c. 10 cm long stem-like rhizome. Roots filiform, flexuose, glabrous. Pseudobulbs cylindrical-conical, appressed to the rhizome, 0.5-0.6 by 0.3-0.4 cm below the middle; 1-leaved. Leaf erect-patent, elliptic, apiculate, 1.5-2 by 0.55-0.85 cm near the middle. Inflorescences 1-flowered, very short, with 2 small inconspicuous peduncle-scales. Floral bracts cucullate, as long as the ovary. Median sepal elliptic, subobtuse, minutely finely ciliate, 0.3 cm long. Lateral sepals oblong, subobtuse, glabrous, as long as the median sepal, the basal three quarter boat-shaped-connate. Petals suborbicular-elliptic, broadly obtuse, 0.1 cm long; apical half finely ciliate. Lip elliptic, obtuse, 0.13 cm long; base narrowed, claw-like; margins with dense, slightly recurved bristle-like hairs. Column short; stelidia ascending, falcate, acute; column-foot rather thick, somewhat incurved. Anther helmet shaped-cucullate, glabrous. Ovary cylindrical, sessile, glabrous, 0.15 cm long. (After Schlechter, 1913)
Colours: Flower golden yellow.
Habitat: Epiphyte in lower montane forest; 900 m.
Flowering time in the wild: January.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea; see map 96-1224M.jpg.
Cultivation: Intermediate growing epiphyte.