Bulbophyllum Thouars.

Abstract

Bulbophyllum is a large genus constituted by over 2000 species that are assigned to 78 sections by various taxonomists. Flowers and inflorescences of all Bulbophyllum share two features in common although they may be quite different in overall form among species in the various sections. The lip of Bulbophyllum is hinged on the column foot, and it moves at the slightest touch – like a small breeze, the step or even the buzz of an insect. Lip movement catapults a visiting insect headlong onto the column of the flower and affects pollination. Inflorescence arises from the base of the pseudobulb, never from the apex. Rachis may be single flowered, two-flowered, a fan-shaped panicle or a dense head of flowers or a long raceme packed with overlapping flowers that face all directions. There is considerable disagreement among taxonomists over the naming of various sections in Bulbophyllum and in the placement of species within the sections. No attempt is made here to follow one selected classification strictly as the task is beyond my capability.