Bulbophyllum nocturnum
Bulbophyllum nocturnum | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Orchidaceae |
Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
Genus: | Bulbophyllum |
Species: | B. nocturnum
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Binomial name | |
Bulbophyllum nocturnum J.J.Verm., de Vogel, Schuit. & A.Vogel
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Bulbophyllum nocturnum is a species of epiphytic orchid that grows in New Britain. It was described in 2011, and is the first species of orchid known to consistently flower during the night, and close its flowers during the day.[2]
Distribution
Bulbophyllum nocturnum grows as an
Description and phenology
Bulbophyllum nocturnum has leaves up to 6.2 centimetres (2.4 in) long and 3.2 cm (1.3 in) wide. It produces flowering stalks only 5 mm (0.2 in) long, which bear an inflorescence comprising a single flower. The flowers are around 2 cm (0.8 in) long, with "yellowish green" sepals, with a red tint near the base; the lip is dark red, while the column is "yellow tinged red"; the petal appendages are greyish.[2]
Bulbophyllum nocturnum is believed to be the only species of orchid to routinely flower during the night.[2] Another species of orchid, Dendrobium amboinense, has been reported by some to open its flower at midnight and close them before noon, while other reports state that its flowers open at dawn.[4] It remains uncertain how B. nocturnum pollinates, as the flower is open for such a short space of time.[5] However, it is proposed that the flower may emulate a fungus, thus attracting small flies to act as pollinators.[2]
Taxonomy
See also
References
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- ^ Mark Kinver & Victoria Gill (22 November 2011). "Botanists discover 'remarkable' night-flowering orchid". BBC News. Retrieved 22 November 2011.
- ^ "Bulbophyllum nocturnum". Species profile. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Archived from the original on 25 November 2011. Retrieved 22 November 2011.
- ^ Tom Lawrie (23 November 2011). "World's first night-flowering orchid discovered". Australian Geographic. Archived from the original on 30 November 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2011.