Graceful bulbophyllum retusiusculum blooms in Longling

Source: InKunming | 2023-10-26 | Editor:Amy

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File photo of bulbophyllum retusiusculum. (Xinhua/Zhao Mingxu)

In recent days, a wild flower with inward-curving petals was captured by photography enthusiasts at Longling’s Xiaoheishan Provincial Nature Reserve in Baoshan City of Yunnan Province. It was identified as bulbophyllum retusiusculum, a plant belonging to the orchid family, by a senior engineer Zhao Mingxu from Southwest Survey and Planning Institute of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

Bulbophyllum retusiusculum derives its name from the inward curling of two petals, whose flowering period usually starts from September to December. Bulbophyllum retusiusculum thrives in cool and humid climates and has demanding requirements for ecological environment in terms of temperature, humidity, and light. It mainly grows on the trunks or branches of large evergreen broadleaved trees in the primeval forest of Xiaoheishan Provincial Nature Reserve in Longling County.

Photo taken on Oct.18 shows bulbophyllum retusiusculum. (Xinhua/Yu Yunjiang)

Zhao said, “Bulbophyllum retusiusculum possesses high ornamental and conservative value, presenting a potential floral resource in Yunnan. Due to its stringent environmental requirements, bulbophyllum retusiusculum has yet to be developed and utilized. Also, it is necessary to enhance its protection and monitoring.”

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