Bulbophyllum nocturnum

[Kevinator]

Hello everyone!

You may or may not have heard of this before but the FIRST TRUE NIGHT-BLOOMING ORCHID HAS NOW BEEN DISCOVERED !!!!!!!!! Its name, Bulbophyllum nocturnum. Hailing from the island of New Britain, it was named and described in 2011. I would like to share some information I collected about it.

First off, it is a miniature Bulbo. with tiny little triangular, yellow flowers with a dark red lip. The flowers have unusual appendages which look like molding spider legs that move at the slightest breeze. Flowers only last half a day- opening at about 10 p.m. and closing at sunrise.

As of today, the only living specimen can be found at Hortus Botanicus in the Netherlands (no other specimens have been found yet). I have heard that Kew has an alcohol preserved specimen of it (possibly a division).

Now, for cultivation. In the future if you ever get your hands on a LEGAL specimen, give it high humidity, good air ventilation, and heat. Grow it like a typical Bulbo. Watering should be done when the plant dries out slightly (only if kept with high humidity). Hortus Botanicus grows it mounted on a slab of coconut fiber.

Well, this is all I know about this orchid. Hope it was helpful!

P.S: Spongiforma squarepantsii is currently a species of fungi that resembles a constantly laughing cartoon sponge that lives in Bikini Bottom.

[bartboogmans]

I happen to live 5 minutes away from Hortus Botanicus. If there is anyone who can appreciate some pictures of this orchid(or any other), say so. then i can see if i can find this orchid and supply some pictures.

[DavidCampen]

Aren't we about a week early with this announcement?

[Stray59]

Bartboogmans:
Of course we would like photos - whenever possible! I appreciate the offer and hope that you can get the pics....
DavidCampen:
What do you mean that this is an early announcement? Do you know something that you can share about this?
Thanks!
Steve

[DavidCampen]

My mistake, it really does exist, the joke is on me.

Plants & Fungi: Bulbophyllum nocturnum - Species profile from Kew

[Stray59]

Thank you for the post David - this is a very interesting find! As a grower the fact that the blooms only open for 12 hours is a downer, as a collector it would be a very interesting addition to any collection - I am glad that someone was able to locate and gather a specimen of this. Again, thanks for the link - it provided the photos also so there is no need for Bartboogmans to try and get a pic of it now!
How very cool. This goes to show that even in this world that is so well explored, there is more out there to discover!
Steve

[Bud]

Niu Briten, is the largest island in the Bismarck Archipelago (named after Otto von Bismarck) of Papua New Guinea.
The island is as big as Taiwan.
It is not yet declared an endangered species....it just happen that the only specimen out of situ is in Netherlands....but if you go to the island: maybe theres a lot in situ to be cultivated, flasked and farmed....in time....