Zimbabwean orchid

[Silje]

I'm suggesting a name here...

While searching for other orchid IDs from Zimbabwe, I came across pictures of Bulbophyllum maximum, and...well, it looks like it might be it.

[mikemh]

The "stump" is probably Xerophyta retinervis, or baboon's tail.

[Tanab]

Originally Posted by irnodz

I bought the exact same orchid yesterday in South Africa.
The guy said that his wife brings it in from Zimbabwe and that is is called ANCILLA

Keep in shallow tray of water. You can actually saw of or divide the root systems to multiply or grow more plants (you must use a hack saw or something of the sort, it is too hard to break properly)

The plant will flower twice a year.
I have never dealt with this type of plant or have never seen it, but this is the info that I received

Nodz

I also purchased one recently and after a lot of research found it to be Bulbophyllum Sandersonii

Bulbophyllum sandersonii - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by Tanab

I also purchased one recently and after a lot of research found it to be Bulbophyllum Sandersonii

Bulbophyllum sandersonii - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

As others have noted above, the understock is the trunk of a Xerophyta. This is a plant in the family Velloziaceae. It is not related to grass at all. It has narrow leaves with a fringe along the edge, and flowers with 3 petals that might be white, pink or blue. An interesting aspect of Velloziaceae is that the trunk is composed of nothing but old leaf bases, and the plant has minimal living tissue in the trunk.

The orchid does not normally grow on this plant. It is being used as a mount for the orchid.

The Xerophyta might survive if potted up separately. It is a summer-growing plant that needs a lot of water when it is in leaf, but it will not likely survive long in a dish of water.

A previous poster pointed out is illegal to collect and sell these. Almost all the Xerophyta trunks will die with or without proper care. The Bulbophyllum can survive with proper care.

[Dollythehun]

I would have never searched for this thread but at 3:00 a.m. it was quite interesting. Thanks to whomever resurrected it!

[aneldupreez]

Hi
I have the exact same plant, but seems to have died....I hope not!
What can I do to save the plant? i.e. care instructions?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by aneldupreez

Hi
I have the exact same plant, but seems to have died....I hope not!
What can I do to save the plant? i.e. care instructions?

Unbelievable. After 9 years, the same thing! haha!

These people selling these get around in the southern portions of Africa.

I'm afraid, yours might not be alive. I don't see any green on those bulbs. Do you have closeup shots to confirm?

I know it's not great news, but at least, you'll still have the Xerophyta.