Bulbophyllum

Many

The genus Bulbophyllum is the largest in the Orchidaceae.

With 1805 species, it is also one of the largest genera in the entire plant kingdom, only exceeded by Senecio and Euphorbia.

It covers an incredible range of vegetative form, from tall plants with cane like stems, root climbers that wind or creep their way up tree trunks, pendulous epiphytes and quite a number that have developed succulent foliage to a greater or lesser degree.

One species has almost become leafless and uses its pseudobulbs as the organs of photosynthesis.

The centre of diversity is in Papua New Guinea and seems to be the evolutionary homeland though the genus is widespread occurring in Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa and in tropical central and South America.

The flower form, though diverse, has a basic structural blueprint that serves to identify this genus.

The following species are of note for their extremes of vegetive and floral form:

• Bulbophyllum beccarii
• Bulbophyllum barbigerum
• Bulbophyllum falcatum
• Bulbophyllum globuliforme
• Bulbophyllum macphersonii
• Bulbophyllum medusae

Some species with common names :

• Bulbophyllum barbigerum  : Bearded Bulbophylllum (Australia)
• Bulbophyllum crassulifolium : Wheat-leaved Bulbophyllum (Australia)
• Bulbophyllum flaviflorum : Golden Comb Orchid
• Bulbophyllum macraei : Wu-lai Cirrous Orchid
• Bulbophyllum makayanum : Daisy Orchid
• Bulbophyllum pachyrhachis : Rattail Orchid
• Bulbophyllum purpurea : Lizard Orchid
• Bulbophyllum retusiusculum : Yellow Comb Orchid
• Bulbophyllum transarisanense : Lily Orchid