Bulbophyllum phormion J.J.Verm., Rheedea 2 (1992) 3, fig. 2
Type: Cruttwell 3180 (holo L, alc.)
Rhizome creeping but sometimes with the most recently de or oped parts patent or pendulous, 0.08-0.1 cm 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 to approximately discoid, 0.5-3.2 cm apart, 0.2-1.1 by 0.10.6 cm, not or hardly flattened. Petiole 1-15 mm. Leaf blade approximately elliptic, 0.7-4 by 0.25-0.8 cm, index 1.6-10; tip obtuse to acute. Inflorescence 2-17 cm, 2-10-flowered; peduncle 1.7-9.5 cm. Floral bracts 3-5. the longest 2-6 mm. Rachis erect, 0.3-6 cm. Floral bracts ovate to triangular, 1.2-3 mm; tip acute. Pedicel and ovary 2-13 mm, with the node 0.03-0.08 cm from the floral bract. Flowers all open time, moderately opening. Median sepal ovate to triangular, 4-11 by 1.2-2.5 mm, index 3-9; tip long acuminate; rather thin, glabrous. Lateral sepals free, 4-15 by 1.4-2.5 mm, index 2.6-10. otherwise as the median sepal. Petals oblique, elliptic to obovate, 1.2-3.5 by 0.5-1 mm, index 23.9; tip obtuse to acute, margins glabrous to erose, thin; surface glabrous. Lip straight or slightly curved, general outline ovate, more or less divided into a basal part which is semicircular or semi-elliptic in lateral view and which cannot be spread out entirely, and a narrow, flat or slightly convex top part, 1.8-3 by 0.5-0.8 mm, index 2.3-4.2 (not spread); tip obtuse to acute; rather thin and solid; approximately glabrous; adaxially slightly concave below, with 2 inconspicuously ridges converging in front approximately half-way; abaxially approximately without a median ridge. Column from ovary to the tip of the stelidia 0.5-1 mm; stigma protruding at its base, approximately elliptic. Column-foot without accessories. Stelidia inconspicuously, triangular; tip rounded to acute; upper margin erose. Anther abaxially with a ridge; front margin not protruding. Pollinia 2. (After Vermeulen, 1993)
Colours: Pseudobulbs often stained with purple. Sepals and petals yellowish or creamy white, sometimes suffused with pink or purple, or entirely purple. Lip yellowish or white, sometimes with a purple blotch near the base, or entirely dark purple.
Habitat: Epiphyte in montane forest; 0-2820 m.
Flowering time in the wild: January, February, September, October, November.
Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).
Distribution in New Guinea: Papua (Indonesia); Papua New Guinea; see map 96-1420M.jpg.
Cultivation: Cool growing epiphyte.