Bulbophyllum sceliphron

Bulbophyllum sceliphron J.J.Verm., Rheedea 1 (1991) 75, fig. 4

Type: Reeve 759 (holo L; iso K, LAE)

Rhizome creeping, 0.1-0.18 cm; all rhizome scales slightly shorter to longer than the internodes. Roots in tufts below each pseudobulb. Pseudobulbs ovoid, 0.6-2 cm apart, 0.5-1.5 by 0.2-1.1 cm, not flattened. Petiole 3-10 mm. Leaf blade semi-terete, 4-9 by 0.2-0.4 cm, index 20-30; tip acute. Inflorescence 13-24 cm, 8-18-flowered; peduncle 10-20 cm. Floral bracts 4-5. the longest 5-7 mm. Rachis erect or arching, 2.4-4.5 cm. Floral bracts ovate, 1.8-2.5 mm; tip acute. Pedicel and ovary 6-9 mm, with the node 0.1-0.15 cm from the floral bract. Ovary glabrous. Flowers all open time, widely opening. Median sepal elliptic, c. 4 by 3 mm, index c. 1.3; tip acuminate; rather thin, glabrous. Lateral sepals oblique, c. 6 by 2.3 mm, index c. 2.6. otherwise as the median sepal. Petals ovate, c. 2.2 by 1.7 mm, index c. 1.3; tip (sub)acute, margins erose towards the tip, thin; surface glabrous. Lip curved base, general outline ovate, c. 4 by 1.3 mm, index c. 3 (not spread); tip obtuse, margins somewhat finely papillose, thick; surface glabrous; adaxially concave near the base, with an inconspicuously median ridge, with 2 distinct ridges converging in front in the basal half; abaxially with an inconspicuously, truncate median ridge. Column from ovary to the tip of the stelidia c. 2 mm; stigma with a distinct tooth at its base, elliptic. Column-foot with small wings close to the attachment of the lip. Stelidia subulate, 0.1 cm; tip acute. Anther abaxially with a ridge towards its base; front margin somewhat protruding. Pollinia 2. (After Vermeulen, 1993)

Colours: Sepals brownish with greenish yellow margins. Petals (greenish) yellow. Lip greenish brown with yellow tip.

Habitat: Epiphyte in montane forest.

Flowering time in the wild: May.

Distribution: Malesia (New Guinea).

Distribution in New Guinea: Papua New Guinea; see map 96-1653M.jpg.

Cultivation: Cool growing epiphyte.

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