Bulbophyllum echinolabium
It reeks! This pulchritudinous, pendulous, putrid orchid could cause one to look about suspiciously to find the source of the foul odor in the form of a companion or another visitor to the aquatics gallery, but no, it was the flower not the fellow! This epiphytic species is found in Sulawesi (situated between Borneo and the Maluku islands ). It has the largest flower of the genus and blooms in the spring and summer. It's scent, not unlike last months' fish dinner that was left out on the counter, attracts flies, who pollinate the flowers. The alluring bloom has a pubescent hinged lip, a hallmark of the genus. Flowers are formed successively at the tip of the lateral, basal inflorescence. The plant has a bulbous pseudobulb topped with a single fleshy leaf. Bulbophyllum is the largest genus in the ochidaceae as well as one of the largest genera in the plant kingdom. A good close look aids in the appreciation of the incredible detail found in the smaller flowered species often on display in the gallery.
Mario Vega
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Spring Arrives in the Gift Shop
Spring is in the air, and all kinds of new goodies are blooming in the gift shop. From beginner gardening tools for kids to floral trowels for the gardener you thought had every thing, the Conservatory of Flowers' gift shop will delight people of all ages. Located inside the Special Exhibits Gallery, the gift shop now carries plants from past exhibits as well as apparel, posters, and garden oddities alike. Coming soon: a variety of carnivorous plants from Raccoon Ridge Nursery, hand woven baskets made from palms, beans from the Vanilla planifolia orchid, and a host of Edible Expeditions goodies. Make sure to stop by the weekend of May 8th, 9th and 10th, not only is it the weekend of Mother's Day but also National Public Gardens Day, and selected items will be up to 25% off!
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New Plant Labels
We heard your request! A frequently asked question around the Conservatory has been, "What is the name of that plant?" In response to your question, a generous anonymous gift allowed us to purchase 61 new plant labels. We also added taller stakes for many of the plant labels that were very low to the ground and difficult to read.
Many thanks to our donor; we are delighted to receive contributions that allow us to improve the visitor's experience at the Conservatory. |
Day would be an afternoon at the Conservatory of Flowers? You'll be able to stroll through our tropical collections and be reminded of the immense diversity of the botanical world while we emphasize 
