Bulbophyllum imitator J.J.Verm., Rheedea 2 (1992) 7, fig. 4
Type: LAE (Vinas & Waikabu) 67057 (holo AMES; iso BO, BRI, CANB, K, L, LAE)
Rhizome patent or pendulous with more or less patent branches, to c. 60 by 0.15-0.3 cm diam. Rhizome scales of the longest internodes slightly shorter than or as long as those internodes. Roots generally close to the base of the rhizome. Pseudobulbs ovoid, 0.5-13 cm apart, 0.6-2.2 by 0.3-0.6 cm, not flattened. Petiole 0.1-0.5 cm. Leaf blade ovate to elliptic, 2.2-7 by 0.5-1.4 cm, index 4.4-6; tip obtuse to acute. Inflorescence 1.1-3 cm, 4-6-flowered; peduncle 0.5-1.5 cm. Floral bracts c. 3. the longest 0.35-0.55 cm. Rachis approximately erect, 0.5-1.5 cm. Floral bracts ovate, 3-5 mm; tip acute. Pedicel and ovary 2.5-3.5 mm, with the node 0.07-0.08 cm from the floral bract. Flowers all open time, moderately opening. Median sepal ovate to elliptic, 5-6 by 2.2-2.3 mm, index 2-2.7; tip obtuse to acute, thin, glabrous. Lateral sepals free, oblique, ovate, 5.2-6 by 2-2.7 mm, index 2-3; tip approximately acute, thin, glabrous. Petals oblique, elliptic to obovate, 2-2.2 by 1.5-1.8 mm, index c. 1.2; tip obtuse, margins glabrous to finely papillose, thin; surface glabrous. Lip distinctly curved, general outline ovate, 1.5-1.8 by 1.2 mm, index c. 1.5 (not spread); tip obtuse, thick, glabrous; adaxially distinctly concave, with 2 distinct ridges approximately parallel to the margins, abaxially with a retuse median ridge. Column from ovary to the tip of the stelidia 0.9-1 mm; stigma not protruding at its base, slit-like. Column-foot without accessories. Stelidia triangular; tip acute; with a small, obtuse, tooth along the upper as well as the lower margin, close to the tip. Anther abaxially with a ridge towards its base; front margin not protruding. Pollinia 4; the inner pair c. half as long as the outer pair. (After Vermeulen, 1993)
Colours: Pseudobulbs and leaves often suffused with purple. Pedicel purple. Flowers yellow. Lip with a purple blotch in the centre.
Habitat: Epiphyte in montane forest; 2620-3000 m.
Flowering time in the wild: January, April.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea; see map 96-851M.jpg.
Cultivation: Cool growing epiphyte.