Name: Bulbophyllum purpureorhachis (De Wild.) Schltr.
Synonyms: Megaclinium purpureorhachis De Wild.
Etymology: purpureorhachis = purple-colored flower rachis (Latin/Greek) — refers to the striking, dark violet to purple-colored, flattened central axis of the inflorescence.

Original description: Originally described in 1903 by Émile Auguste Joseph De Wildeman as Megaclinium purpureorhachis; transferred to the genus Bulbophyllum in 1914 by Rudolf Schlechter.
Origin / Distribution: Tropical Central and West Africa (DR Congo, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon).
Location / Habitat: Grows epiphytically in the canopies and on thick main branches of humid, tropical lowland rainforests. It prefers semi-shaded to brighter positions with year-round high temperatures and high humidity.
Description & Notes: Bulbophyllum purpureorhachis is one of the most spectacular species in the genus. The plant forms widely spaced, four-angled pseudobulbs on a robust rhizome, each bearing two leathery, elongated leaves. The absolutely extraordinary inflorescence is flattened like a curved, sword-like or wing-like ribbon, deep purple-brown in color and slightly wavy. Numerous tiny, dark red-brown flowers appear sequentially along the central axis.

In cultivation, this macabre beauty requires warm to hot conditions year-round (no lower than 18 °C) and high humidity of 70–80% with good air circulation. Due to its creeping growth habit, it is recommended to cultivate it mounted on large tree fern or cork slabs, or in wide, shallow slatted baskets with coarse bark substrate. The substrate should be kept constantly moist during active growth, but can tolerate brief drying out between waterings.