Bulbophyllum nasica

Bulbophyllum nasica Schltr. 1913
Synonyms:	Bulbophyllum longicaudatum J.J.Sm. 1911
Section:	Ephippium
Distribution:	Pupua New Guinea
Elevation:	100m - 750m
Size:	Small
Growth:	Epiphytic
Number of flowers:	1
Fragrance:	No Smell
Flowering:	July to April
Sun:	Medium to Bright
Humidity:	Medium to High
Watering:	High Frequency
This small, rather variable epiphytic species is probably quite common and has been recorded in several areas of the PNG mainland between 100m to 750m altitude. It grows on the lower trunks of large trees with deeply cracked bark in lowland primary rainforest or on rough-barked narrow tree trunks, branches or lianas at higher altitudes. It has a very short creeping rhizome and forms a small compact clumps of crowded pseudobulbs, seldom reaching more than 10cm across. The attractive single flowers are superficially similar to the Bulbophyllum blumei (Bulbophyllum maxillare), but are much smaller with a longer lip and lateral sepals which sometimes remain joined together below their swollen, lumpy apices. The colours are variable; the best specimens have bright golden-yellow lateral sepals which have an orange sheen; a bright red dorsal sepal which has purple stripes, a red-purple tip and violet hairs predominantly orange and brown sepals or predominantly purple-maroon sepals; both of these forms are common in the smaller-flowered plants found growing at higher altitudes. Flowering has been recorded from July - April. - O'Bryne, P. (1994). Lowland orchids of papua new guinea. (p. 424). Singapore: SNP Publishers.