Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Weeping / Pendulous |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Lesser Sunda Islands and Sumatra. |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Native to Singapore (Presumed Nationally Extinct (NEx)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A small sized epiphyte. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Single leaf emerges at the top of pseudobulb, measuring 10 cm long and dark green in colour. |
| Stems | Creeping rhizome. |
| Flowers | Flowers are borne in clusters, at terminal end of erect stems. Inflorescence measures 20 cm long, sprouting from pseudobulbs. Flowers emit unpleasant odour. The flowers are creamy-yellow, some varieties having purple spots on the floral parts. About 15 of them are arranged in a fan shape whorl or in a circle at the tip of the flower stalk. The lateral sepals are 12 cm-long, which is much longer than the upper sepal. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | This exotic-looking species is also a native of Singapore. |
| Habitat | Found on tree trunks and main branches in lowland forests at elevations of sea levels to 400 m. |
| Cultivation | Plant requires partial shade and regular watering but allow to dry out briefly between watering. Keep good air circulation to avoid fungal growth. Keep plant in warm temperature. Plants do not like to have their roots disturbed when repotting, therefore pot in half sphagnum moss and half fine bark or mounted on slabs of bark. |
| Etymology | The genus Bulbophyllum means bulb-leafed, which refers to the pseudobulb that is surmounted by leaf. Specific epithet medusae means like Medusa's head, in reference to the long thread-like flowers. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30646 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4955 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
