Bulbophyllum

Although Bulbophyllum is considered the largest group of orchids, there are general guidelines that can be applied to them. Typically, these orchids are small to medium-sized, although species like Bulb. phalaenopsis can have leaves up to a meter long. They grow as creeping epiphytes and exhibit a sympodial growth habit, with one or two fleshy leaves emerging from prominent pseudobulbs. Despite the wide variety of fantastic flower shapes and sizes, all Bulbophyllum species share a hinged lip that aids in pollination. When a pollinator lands on the lip, it tilts and causes the pollinator to fall back into the sticky pollinia. Additionally, Bulbophyllum orchids are known for many species that produce foul, carrion-scented flowers.