Bulbophyllum ambrosia

Object Details

Description: The Sweet-Scented Bulbophyllum was one of the first orchids described in Hong Kong – unsurprising, as it is the most common Bulbophyllum in the area. Large colonies of the plant, which all bloom simultaneously, can often be seen scrabbling atop large boulders along streams. The Sweet-Smelling Bulbophyllum blooms the earliest of the native Bulbophyllums in its range, with flowers that can last up to two weeks, and clouds of sweet fragrance that hang around for just as long.; Interestingly, this orchid is typically an epiphyte in all areas except Hong Kong, where it was first discovered. It is hypothesized that this is an adaption that B. ambrosia has made due to deforestation which started in the late 1600s. With a lack of old growth trees, this orchid fled to the nooks and crannies of stone. With recent reforestation efforts in Hong Kong, it is hoped that there might one day be old growth trees in this area for the orchids to grow on again.
Bloom Time (Northern Hemisphere): November to March
Pollination Syndrome: Bee (Apis cerana)
Provenance: From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin

Life Form: Lithophytic
Bloom Characteristics: Inflorescence is 3-7" (10-18 cm) long with a single pale flower lined in red. Flowers are 1.25" (3 cm) across and last about 2 weeks.
Fragrance: Honey, bitter almonds
Plant Size: 3-6" x 1-1.5" (8-15 x 2.5-3.8 cm), excluding inflorescence

Range: Nepal to S China and Indo-China
Habitat: Evergreen and semi-deciduous forests on weathered limestone or tree bases; 985-4265ft (300-1300m)

Smithsonian Gardens

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ax7a16f416b-804c-4c5d-90db-3228c507f9f6