Bulbophyllum kaniense Schltr., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 1 (1913) 867
Type: Schlechter 16967 (lecto B, lost; isolecto BM, K); 19007 (syn B, lost; iso BM, K)
Rhizome creeping but with the most recently developed parts usually patent or pendulous, 0.8-1.2 mm diam.; rhizome scales of the longest internodes distinctly shorter than those internodes, leaving bare large portions of the rhizome. Roots in tufts below most pseudobulbs. Pseudobulbs ovoid, 0.8-6.5 cm apart, 0.5-1.2 by 0.1-0.4 cm, not flattened. Petiole 1-5 mm. Leaf blade generally ovate, also elliptic, 1.3-7 by 0.3-1.7 cm, index 2-9, tip acute to acuminate. Inflorescence 1.2-3 cm, 3-10-flowered. Peduncle 0.5-1.2 cm; bracts 3-4, the longest 3-5 mm. Rachis erect, 0.4-1 cm. Floral bracts triangular, 2.4-3 mm, tip acute. Pedicel and ovary 2.8-4.5 mm, with the node 0.4-1 mm from the floral bract. Flowers all open at the time, moderately opening. Median sepal ovate to elliptic, 8-17 by 1.2-2 mm, index 4.5-14, tip acuminate to caudate; thin; glabrous. Lateral sepals free, oblique, ovate, 8-25 by 1.2-2.2 mm, index 4.1-16, otherwise as the median sepal. Petals (ob)ovate to elliptic, 1.4-2.8 by 0.5-1.4 mm, index 2-3.3, tip (sub)acute; margins glabrous to slightly erose; thin; surface glabrous. Lip curved, general outline ovate, 1.3-3 by 0.7-1.3 mm, index 1.8-2.5 (not spread), tip rounded; thick but soft; glabrous; adx. concave near the base; abx. with an inconspicuous, truncate median ridge. Column from ovary to the tip of the stelidia 0.5-0.8 mm; stigma protruding at its base, obovate; column-foot without accessories. Stelidia inconspicuous, triangular, tip acute. Anther abx. with a ridge; front margin protruding. Pollinia 2. (After Vermeulen, 1993)
Colours: Sepals and petals white or yellowish, sometimes with some pink. Lip yellow or white.
Habitat: Epiphyte in lower montane forest; 850-1100 m.
Flowering time in the wild: January, September, December.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea; see map 96-904M.jpg.
Cultivation: Intermediate growing epiphyte.