Bulbophyllum pidacanthum

Bulbophyllum pidacanthum J.J.Verm., Rheedea 2 (1992) 5, fig. 3

Type: Rees & Reeve 327 (holo K)

Rhizome patent or more or less pendulous, to 12 by 0.2-0.3 cm; all rhizome scales longer than the internodes. Roots generally close to the base of the rhizome. Pseudobulbs ovoid, 0.6-2 cm apart, 1.5-3 by 0.4-0.6 cm, moderately flattened. Petiole 4-9 mm. Leaf blade elliptic, 4.5-6.5 by 1.1-1.5 cm, index 3-5; tip acute. Inflorescence 11-30 cm, 20-75-flowered; peduncle 2.5-7.5 cm. Floral bracts 3-4. the longest 5-12 mm. Rachis arching, more or less pendulous, 9-24 cm. Floral bracts ovate, 2-5 mm; tip acute to acuminate. Pedfcel and ovary 8-25 mm, with the node 0.1-0.4 cm from the floral bract. Flowers many open time, moderately opening. Median sepal ovate, 11.5-17 by 1.5-3.2 mm, index 6.5-8.5; tip long acuminate to caudate; rather thin, glabrous. Lateral sepals free, oblique, 14.5-21 by 1.5-2.2 mm, index 7-14. otherwise as the median sepal. Petals oblique, ovate to elliptic, 1.2-2.2 by 1-1.6 mm, index 1.1-1.7; tip obtuse; otherwise as the median sepal. Lip slightly curved, general outline ovate, consisting of a wider basal part and a narrow, approximately linear top part, 1.7-2 by 0.07-0.09 cm, index 22.6 (not spread); tip obtuse, margins and surface glabrous to papillose; rather thick; adaxially moderately concave near the base, with 2 ridges converging in front in the basal half, abaxially with a truncate median ridge. Column from ovary to the tip of the stelidia 0.8-1.3 mm; stigma protruding at its base, approximately orbicular. Column-foot without accessories. Stelidia triangular, 0.2-0.3 mm; tip acute; with a distinct, deltoid, rounded to acute wing along the lower margin. Anther abaxially with a ridge; front margin protruding. Pollinia 2. (After Vermeulen, 1993)

Colours: Leaves often suffused with purple. Sepals pale greenish, cream-coloured or white. Petals, lip and column white, often with purple veins, suffused with purple, or entirely purple.

Habitat: Epiphyte in montane forest; also in swamp with scattered trees; 1600-2591 m.

Flowering time in the wild: February, April, August.

Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).

Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Indonesia); Papua New Guinea; see map 96-1427M.jpg.

Cultivation: Cool growing epiphyte.

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