Tree orchid
Bulbophyllum maximum

Family: Orchidaceae

What it is like

An orchid. A robust herb that grows attached to other plants. It has false bulbs 2-10 cm apart on a woody underground stem or rhizome. There are 2-3 leaves that vary in size. They are 4-10 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. The flowers are green or yellow green with purple-brown marks.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in mixed woodlands and in forests along rivers. It grows between 600-1.600 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Southern Africa, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Batanai

Synonyms

Bulbophyllum nyassanum Schltr.; Bulbophyllum oxypterum (Lindl.) Rchbr. f.; Bulbophyllum platyrachis (Rolfe) Schlrt.; Megaclinum maximum Lindl.; Megaclinum oxypterum Lindl.; Megaclinum platyrachis Rolfe;