It was the famous English botanist William Jackson Hooker, who named the Bulbophyllum careyanum (Hook.) Spreng. 1826 orchid species,in honour to the English botanist and missonary William Carey (1761-1834) as Anisopetalum careyanum Hook. 1825. The German botanist Curt Polycarp Joachim Sprengel (1766-1833) changed the name a year later to Bulbophyllum careyanum.
Bulbophyllum careyanum, an epiphytic growing orchid species is native to the Himalayas, India (Assam, Sikkim), Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, and Vietnam. Inflorescences get lengths up to about 25 cm and are densely packed with foul smelling flowers. Flowers reach a size of just about 1 cm. Flowering period: January.

Bulbophyllum careyanum orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival). The tropical orchid requires intermediate to warm temperatures, a location in shade and a good air circulation to avoid fungal infections. Plants should be kept moist, but not wet, during the growth season, whilst waterings should be restricted during the winter rest, the potting medium should be allowed to dry out slightly during waterings.

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Image: Bulbophyllum careyanum (Hook.) Spreng. 1826
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee