Bulbophyllum pandanetorum

Bulbophyllum pandanetorum is a rare species of epiphytic plant in the family Orchidaceae. It is found in Cameroon and Gabon, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests at elevations roughly between 200 and 950 meters. It is threatened by habitat loss.[1] It was botanically described in 1954.[2]

Bulbophyllum pandanetorum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Dendrobieae
Genus: Bulbophyllum
Species:
B. pandanetorum
Binomial name
Bulbophyllum pandanetorum
Summerh.[2]

In September 1925, the first sample of B. pandanetorum were collected, twice, in Gabon. They were both found in the Ngounie River region; the first specimen was located near Kembélé, and the second, along the River Dévèla. Both were attached to Pandanus trees, and so the botanist's choice of specific epithet.[1]

Since then, it has never been collected again from anywhere in that country, and in spite of meticulous, if sporadic botanical surveyance in many parts of the south and west of Cameroon, B. pandanetorum had never been among the plants collected in that country either.[1]

In June 1996, however, it was for the first time found outside of Gabon, growing on the submontane slopes of Mt. Kupe, in Cameroon. Here it must be supposed, it undergoes continuing decline due to habitat loss through the encroachment of farms, which are known to be spreading. The Gabonian habitat's course of endangerment to B. pandanetorum, and its level of seriousness are yet to be determined.[1]

References
  1. Assessors: Pollard, B.J.; Darbyshire, I. / Evaluators: Zapfack, L.; Cribb, P.J. (Orchid Red List Authority) (2004). "Bulbophyllum pandanetorum in IUCN 2009". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.1. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Retrieved November 20, 2009.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
  2. "Plant Name Details for Bulbophyllum pandanetorum". IPNI. Retrieved October 20, 2009.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.