Bulbophyllum fletcherianum Rolfe 1911, a rare orchid, endemic to New Guinea, is one of the biggest Bulbophyllum species worldwide.

Bulbophyllum fletcherianum leaves can reach a length until about 1,80 meter. This amazing tropical plant is growing epiphytic, lithophytic or pseudo-terrestrial and requires a hot and humid climate. The bizarre flowers exhales a quite unpleasant scent, like rotten flesh, which attracts flies and beetles. Bulbophyllum fletcherianum, also called Tongue Orchid, was named in honour to Harold Roy Fletcher (1907-1978), the Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. The short living flowers reach a size of about 8 cm. Flowering period: Summer - Autumn. Bulbophyllum fletcherianum orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival).

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Bulbophyllum fletcherianum Rolfe 1911
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

Flower Photograph © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Bulbophyllum fletcherianum Rolfe 1911, Flower Macro
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee