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Bulbophyllum Orchid
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Bulbophyllum Orchid

Bulbophyllum

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameBulbophyllum Orchid
DescriptionFascinating and highly diverse orchid genus featuring some of the most bizarre and unusual flowers in the plant kingdom. Flowers range from tiny 2mm blooms to large 15-inch specimens, often with strange shapes, textures, and colors. Many species emit unusual scents from sweet and pleasant to carrion-like odors that attract fly pollinators, while others feature mobile lips that move in the breeze to lure insects.
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusBulbophyllum
TribeBulbophylleae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% ⚥ P3+3 A1 G(3)

Bilaterally symmetrical, bisexual, 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (3 sepals + 3 petals with one modified into lip), 1 stamen fused with style forming column, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary typical of Orchidaceae

Features
  • Name 'Bulbophyllum' derives from Greek 'bolbos' (bulb) and 'phyllon' (leaf), referring to the pseudobulbs that appear to grow directly from leaves. Largest orchid genus with over 2,000 species, representing incredible diversity in form and habitat
  • Flowers exhibit extraordinary variety: some have fringed or hairy petals, others feature umbrella-like arrangements, many have hinged lips that rock in the breeze. Colors range from red, yellow, purple, white to brown, often with intricate spotting or striping
  • Epiphytic perennial that grows from creeping rhizomes with pseudobulbs spaced along the rhizome. Blooms vary by species from spring through fall. Some species bloom sequentially over months, others produce single flushes of flowers
  • Size varies dramatically: miniature species grow under 2 inches (5 cm) total height, while large species can reach 12 inches (30 cm). Individual flowers range from 2mm to 15 inches across. Lifespan of 10-20 years. Propagated by division of rhizomes
  • Native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with highest diversity in Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Madagascar, and tropical Africa. Found growing on trees in rainforests from sea level to cloud forests at 3,000 meters elevation
  • Requirements vary by species: most prefer bright indirect light, high humidity (60-80%), and warm to intermediate temperatures (60-85°F/15-29°C). Need excellent air circulation and well-draining orchid mix or mounted on bark
  • Many species use deceptive pollination, mimicking carrion or fungus to attract flies. Some have mobile lips triggered by landing insects. Popular among orchid collectors for their bizarre beauty and compact size ideal for terrariums

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificBulbophyllum
English (Alternate)Bulb-Leaf Orchid, Cirrhopetalum, and Umbrella Orchid
Hindiबल्बोफाइलम ऑर्किड (Bulbophāilam Orkiḍ)
Tamilபல்போபில்லம் ஆர்க்கிட் (Palpopillam Ārkiṭ)
Teluguబల్బోఫైలం ఆర్కిడ్ (Bulbophāilaṁ Ārikiḍ)
Malayalamബുൽബോഫൈലം ഓർക്കിഡ് (Bulbophāilaṁ Ōrkiḍ)
Kannadaಬಲ್ಬೋಫೈಲಂ ಆರ್ಕಿಡ್ (Bulbophāilaṁ Ārkiḍ)
Sanskritकन्दपत्रपुष्पम् (Kandapatrapuṣpam)
Bengaliবাল্বোফাইলাম অর্কিড (Bālbophāilāma arkiḍa)
Frenchorchidée bulbophyllum
Russianбульбофиллум (bulbofillum)
Spanishorquídea bulbophyllum
GermanBulbophyllum-Orchidee

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.