Bulbophyllum graveolens

Bulbophyllum graveolens Rolfe 1905
Synonyms:	Cirrhopetalum robustum Rolfe, Cirrhopetalum graveolens F.M.Bailey
Section:	Cirrhopetalum
Distribution:	Pupua New Guinea
Elevation:	100m - 600m
Size:	Large
Growth:	Epiphytic, occasionally Lithophytic
Number of flowers:	6 - 9
Fragrance:	Pungent (like compost)
Flowering:	October - December
Sun:	Bright to Sunny
Humidity:	Medium to High
Watering:	High Frequency
This very large creeping species has been reported from scattered locations in PNG south of the central mountain range, always in rainforest from about 100 to 600 meters altitude. It is uncommon and is usually found only in isolated stands, growing on tree truncks of the lower and middle layers of the forest. The species has short creeping rhizome with unusually large fleshy green pseudobulbs at 3 - 4cm intervals, each with a very large leathery leaf; it is immediately recognisable even when not in flower. It forms a fairly short stout inflorescence which ends in a horizontal fan of 6 - 9 distinctive 5cm tall flowers in which the lateral sepals are joined together forming a hollow flattened tongue. The sepals and small petals are waxy yellow-green with darker green veins and numerous small red spots near their bases; internally the lateral sepals are yellow, densely covered in red spots. The small lip is deep scarlet and hairy on its upper surface; underneath it is orange with red spots. The column is yellow with red spots; the anther is bright yellow. Flowering recorded October - December; the flowers last about 2 weeks.