Bulbophyllum Thouars 1822

Type Species: Bulbophyllum nutans Thouars

Synonym: Oncophyllum D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem. 2001

Tribe: PODOCHILAEAE

Subtribe: BULBOPHYLLINAE

Pronunciation: bulb-oh-FILL-um

The genus Bulbophyllum is the largest in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). To date nearly 3000 species have been recorded.

Bulbophyllums are also widely distributed. They are found from the Americas, Africa and Madagascar (also nearby islands), SE Asia, Philippines, West Irian and New Guinea (where it seems to have spread out from), Eastern Australia (mainly tropical) and the Western Pacific Islands.

The genus Bulbophyllum also covers an incredible range of vegetative form, from tall plants with cane like stems, to root climbers that wind or creep their way up tree trunks. Other members are 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 flower form, though diverse, has a basic structural blueprint that serves to identify this genus. The center of diversity is in West Irian and New Guinea which seems to be the evolutionary homeland.