Name: Paraphalaenopsis labukensis Shim, A.Lamb & C.L.Chan
Synonym: Phalaenopsis labukensis (Shim, A.Lamb & C.L.Chan) Shim
Etymology: labukensis refers to the Labuk Valley (Labuk River) in the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo, where the species was discovered.

First described: In 1981 by Phyau Soon Shim, Anthony Lamb and Chan Chew Lun in “Orchid Digest”.
Origin / Distribution:
Northern Borneo (Sabah).
Location / Habitat: Growing epiphytically in hill forests over ultramafic rock at elevations of approx. 500 to 1000 m. It grows on tree trunks in warm to intermediate, humid climates.
Description & Notes:
Paraphalaenopsis labukensis is an extraordinary, pendulous orchid. It has extremely long, fleshy, cylindrical (terete) leaves that can reach an impressive length of over two meters in cultivation and resemble thin cords. The short inflorescence produces several waxy, strongly fragrant flowers (approx. 6 cm wide). The petals are characteristically twisted and display cinnamon-brown to brownish-yellow tones with a contrasting, lighter lip.

In cultivation, the species requires conditions similar to those for Phalaenopsis, but due to its strictly pendulous growth habit and enormous leaf length, it must be mounted or grown in hanging slatted baskets. It prefers bright to semi-shaded locations without direct midday sun, as well as consistently high humidity. The substrate or roots should be watered regularly, but must be able to dry quickly after watering to prevent root rot.