Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Tongue Orchid of Kerala

We have heard about different nick names for different types of orchids. Dove orchid (Peristeria elata), Palm orchids (Spathoglottis), Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis), Tiger orchid (Grammatophyllum), Pigeon orchid (Den. crumenatum), Black  Orchid (Trichoglottis brachiata), Scorpion Orchid (Arachnis), Dancing Princess (Oncidiums), The Nun Orchid (Phaius) etc. are some of them.

In Kerala we have 'The Tongue Orchid'. The botanical name is Bulbophyllum fuscopurpureum. I've seen it growing only on rocks (Lithophyte). They are found at an altitude of around 1000M above MSL.

Bulbophyllum fuscopurpureum - Excitement at seeing the buds.


Bulbophyllum fuscopurpureum - Buds developing




Bulbophyllum fuscopurpureum in bloom.


I find them  very difficult plants to grow. The difference in temperature might be the reason. Any how I had them blooming at my home last year. The flowering time is Feb- March.

Jose


2 comments:

  1. Congrats on being able to bloom it in the lowlands. I have seen a picture of a brown variant of this in a book from Tamil Nadu.

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  2. The cultivation is really difficult. I'm still experimenting with the media.

    Jose

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