Bulbophyllum Characteristics and Judging Standards

Bulbophyllum

genus of flowering plants noted for their highly variable forms

Lateral sepals

side petals of Bulbophyllum flowers that can be fused, rotated, or twisted but should not impede the mobility of lip

Sequential bloomers

Species that bloom in succession, with flowers opening at different times

Umbellate

flower arrangement where flowers are clustered at the end of stalks that radiate from a common point

Rachis

main stem of an inflorescence bearing flowers

Fully reflexed petals

Petals that open flat but can quickly reflex and clasp behind

Hooding of the dorsal sepal

characteristic of having a sepal that forms a hood over the flower is acceptable

Color palette

color palette can be somewhat limited, but colors should be well delineated and should avoid

smudging of the color layers

Cupped flowers

Flowers that have a shape resembling a cup is acceptable

Reflexed segment apices

tips of flower segments that bend backward is acceptable

Waxing and waning flowers

Some can close as night approaches and sometimes stay that way until midday, until they harden off, while others open fully and then cup as they age and never reopen

Multiple inflorescences

Plants bearing more than one flower cluster at a time

Asymmetrical apices

Tips of sepals or segments that are uneven or not matching should be scored down

Pinching closed

condition where the lateral sepals come together tightly Pinching should not result in lower scores unless done in an unusual and visually distracting manner

Crowding

crowding should not prevent the flowers from opening. These are often judged based on the full inflorescence, not an individual flower

Appendages

Additional structures such as tassels lures, paleae so you should not discount either their existence or absence in

awarding

color while limited

should be clear and avoid smudging of color layers

judging scale

Bulbophyllum are highly variable in form and should be judged using the general scale

rachis

rachis can be erect, arching or even twisted. Small flowers typically face inward, with flowers

maturing in succession over time Presentation of the rachis should also be considered strongly, and

rachis and flowers should be considered as one entity

Twisted rachis

A spiraled flowering stem affecting flower arrangement presentation of the rachis should also be considered strongly, and

rachis and flowers should be considered as one entity

Sequential flowering

occurrence of flowers blooming one after another in succession.