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Diplocaulobium sp

Discussion in 'Orchid Species' started by Marni, Dec 21, 2008.

  1. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    This was blooming yesterday, but the images are from a nice blooming in February. It blooms for about 3 hours in the morning and smells unmistakably of watermelon rind. You can smell it from 5 feet away. I don't know the country of origin, but if anyone has a name, I'd love to know it.
    diplo.watermelon.close.jpg diplo.watermelon.flowers.jpg diplo.watermelon.plant.jpg
     
  2. Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    Nicely bloomed, Marni. I'd call it diplocaulobium aratriferum.
     
  3. Mary Jane

    Mary Jane New Member

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    That is VERY nice.
     
  4. Tom_in_PA

    Tom_in_PA I am not an addict

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    Great blooming Marni

    Does it really only bloom for 3 hours?
     
  5. Forrest

    Forrest Really Neat

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    nicely grown.
     
  6. Chris

    Chris New Member

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    That is awesome!!! I need to find more of this genus.
     
  7. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Yes, Tom, 3 hours! If you see it in bloom, you photograph it because if you wait, it will be turning pink and starting to wilt. Most diplocaulobiums only bloom between 3 hours and 1 day. But they do bloom off and on during the year. Some last up to 5 days. A really great on is Diplo. regale. It lasts about 3 days. A good clone is a wonderful coral color and flat, reminiscent of Dendrobium cinnabarina.

    Yo, Karen! There's an idea for you.:poke:
     
  8. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Thanks, Jon. From what I saw on Jay's site, the foliage is quite different. I have a few references to check for that species.
     
  9. Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    It's almost identical to my plant, Marni.
     
  10. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Thanks, Jon, I checked the Mr. Bill book and he has an image of Dpl.aratriferum that is similar to mine, but says it is a tentative identification as it is "a central member of a large group of species with similar flowers, which I call the D. lageniforme cluster." He also says the leaves are to 2.5" and some of mine are 4" +. That doesn't mean it isn't the same as yours.

    Schlecter references the species as coming from New Guinea, but doesn't describe it.

    The fragrance on this is unmistakable. Do you remember if yours is fragrant?
     
  11. Wanda

    Wanda Orchid Nut

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    AWESOME!!!
     
  12. crystal

    crystal New Member

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    What a lovely melon! :D
     
  13. Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    I always thought mine smelled like soap.
     
  14. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    This is the only Diplocaulobium where I have noticed a fragrance, now I'll have to start checking others when they come in bloom. I'm going to label it cf aratriferum because that is more information than I had before. Thanks, Jon.
     
  15. Karen

    Karen Species nut

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    It's beautiful! Thanks ( I think) for the idea :D