Thursday, December 30, 2010

Bulbophyllum echinolabium

Contrary to popular perceptions, I do grow more than just roses. Behold: Bulbophyllum echinloabium, an Orchid native to Sulawesi and Celebes. My friend Helene owns Briggs Hill Orchids in Eugene, OR, and that is where my plant came from. I believe this was seed grown, and this is the first time it has bloomed in the two-plus years I have been culturing it. The bloom you see here is about 12" tall from tip to tip, but this species can produce blooms twice that size as it matures. Its "fragrance" is not unlike that of some deceased sea creature decaying on a warm beach. Lovely. (It looks better than it smells, if that wasn't clear)

6 comments:

  1. Glazed caramel - or silk ribbon...
    Strange face into competition with roses? The orchid is outstanding!

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  2. To paraphrase a mutual friend, "Why do the pretty ones always stink?" Anything living inside this beauty?

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  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  4. Anonymous posts in questionable taste will be deleted. Please don't make me turn off anonymous posting!

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  5. Obviously you don get the pun, sorry and forget about it

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  6. I got the pun. The issue is that you posted the remark anonymously.

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