Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis: Orchids: Featured plants: Biology Building Greenhouse: Indiana University Bloomington

Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis

Family: Orchidaceae
Scientific name:Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis
Common name:

Native of:

Greenhouse location: Room J

*Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis* inflorescence (flower head). Photo by Terri Greene, Dec03-2018

Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis is well known for its long leaves and stinky flowers. According to Smithsonian.com, "The inflorescence, or flower head, consists of a cluster of about 15 to 20 reddish-brown (meat-colored) flowers covered with fleshy projections called papillae that are said to resemble wriggling maggots." The bloom emits a stench similar to rotting flesh. The appearance and odor of the orchid's bloom attract carrion flies for pollination.

You may recognize the species name phalaenopsis. It's a nod to the similar long leaves of the popular Phalaenopsis Blume, or moth orchids.

The long leaves of the *B. phalaenopsis* are similar to those of moth orchids or Phalaenopsis Blume orchids. Photo by Terri Greene, Nov28-2018

The inflorescence of the *B. phalaenopsis* is about to open. Photo by Terri Greene, Nov28-2018

*B. phalaenopsis* bloomed for the first time in December 2018. Photo by Terri Greene, Dec06-2018

*B. phalaenopsis* bloom measured approximately 7 inches long. Photo by Terri Greene, Dec13-2018

Scott Michaels, IU Department of Biology faculty member, donated the Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis to the greenhouse.

The orchid produced its first bloom in December 2018.

Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis

Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis

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