Bulbophyllum thersites J.J.Verm. 1993 SECTION Lepanthanthe Schlechter 1913

TYPE Drawing © by Vermeullen

Common Name The Malicious Bulbophyllum [refers to the appearance of the flower - From greek Mythological creature]

Flower Size .12" [3 mm]

Found in eastern New Guinea in primary forests at elevations around 1100 meters as a mini-miniature sized, cool growing epiphyte with a creeping rhizome with .4 to 1.2" [1 to 3 cm] between each discoid to ovoid, not flattened pseudobulb carrying a single , apical, elliptic, obtuse apically, shortly petiolate base leaf that blooms in the summer on a usually single to few, peduncle .32 to .8" [1.5 to 5.5 cm] long, with 3 bracts, .6 to 2.6" [1.5 to 6.5 cm] long overall, rachis arching to nodding at the base, distinctly zig zag bent, to 2.6" [to 6.5 cm] long, successively single, to 36 flowered inflorescence with triangular, acute apically floral bracts and carrying scattered, moderately opening, flowers with pale green with pink tepals and a white and pink lip.

Similar to B quasimodo but B theristes differs in the distinct swelling at the base of the adaxial side of the lip and a distinct tooth at the base of the stigma.

Synonyms Trachyrhachis thersites (J.J.Verm.) Szlach. 2007

References W3 Tropicos, Kew Monocot list , IPNI ; *Orchid Monographs Vol 7 Vermeullen 1993 drawing fide;

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