Name: Bulbophyllum maquilingense Ames
Synonym:
Etymology: maquilingense refers to the type species’ collection site, Mount Maquiling (Makiling) on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.
First description:1912 by Oakes Ames in the "Philippine Journal of Science".
Origin / Distribution: Philippines (endemic to the island of Luzon).
Location / Habitat: An epiphyte that grows in mountain forests at elevations of around 1,000 to 1,200 m. The species prefers shady, very humid environments with steady air movement.
Description & Notes: Bulbophyllum maquilingense is a charming miniature orchid with a creeping rhizome and small, egg-shaped pseudobulbs, each bearing a single leathery leaf. Its fascinating, solitary flower appears on a short stem and is quite striking for the size of the plant. It has a yellowish-cream base color with intense purplish-red to dark brown stripes and spots. The mobile, often hairy lip is especially characteristic.
In cultivation, this species requires consistently high humidity (above 70%) and must never be allowed to dry out completely, as its small pseudobulbs store only limited reserves. It grows best mounted on cork or fern root slabs in a shady, temperate location. Regular misting and good ventilation are essential to prevent rot and encourage flowering.
Culture: Intermediate to warm, at around 16–26 °C, shady to moderately bright, with high humidity and good air movement. Keep evenly and slightly moist when mounted or grown in a shallow basket.