Object Details
Description
The Sweet-Scented Bulbophyllum was one of the first orchids described in Hong Kong – unsurprising, as it is the most common Bulbophyllum in the area. Large colonies of the plant, which all bloom simultaneously, can often be seen scrabbling atop large boulders along streams. The Sweet-Smelling Bulbophyllum blooms the earliest of the native Bulbophyllums in its range, with flowers that can last up to two weeks, and clouds of sweet fragrance that hang around for just as long.
Interestingly, this orchid is typically an epiphyte in all areas except Hong Kong, where it was first discovered. It is hypothesized that this is an adaption that B. ambrosia has made due to deforestation which started in the late 1600s. With a lack of old growth trees, this orchid fled to the nooks and crannies of stone. With recent reforestation efforts in Hong Kong, it is hoped that there might one day be old growth trees in this area for the orchids to grow on again.
Bloom Time (Northern Hemisphere)
November to March
Pollination Syndrome
Bee (Apis cerana)
Provenance
From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin
Accession Number
2018-0115A
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Life Form
Lithophytic
Bloom Characteristics
Inflorescence is 3-7" (10-18 cm) long with a single pale flower lined in red. Flowers are 1.25" (3 cm) across and last about 2 weeks.
Fragrance
Honey, bitter almonds
Plant Size
3-6" x 1-1.5" (8-15 x 2.5-3.8 cm), excluding inflorescence
Range
Nepal to S China and Indo-China
Habitat
Evergreen and semi-deciduous forests on weathered limestone or tree bases; 985-4265ft (300-1300m)
See more items in
Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection
Common Name
Shy Honey Orchid
The Sweet-Smelling Bulbophyllum
Group
[vascular plants]
Class
Equisetopsida
Subclass
Magnoliidae
Superorder
Lilianae
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Subfamily
Epidendroideae
Genus
Bulbophyllum
Species
ambrosia
Data Source
Smithsonian Gardens
Topic
Orchids
Living Collections
Link to Original Record
Record ID
ofeo-sg_2018-0115A