Lectotypification and recollection of Bulbophyllum crabro in Meghalaya after 125 years

Abstract

A rare epiphytic sympodial orchid, Bulbophyllum crabro (C.S.P.Parish & Rchb.f.) J.J. Verm., Schuit. & de Vogel was recorded in 2016 from Meghalaya for the first time since 1891 (as Monomeria barbata Lindl.). The growth of this orchid was studied over three seasons between 2016 and 2020 in the campus of the North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong. The results expand the imperfect taxonomic description and document the intriguing flower structure with photographs. An English name, ‘the bull’s head flower’, is proposed for this taxon, based on the appearance of the labellum or lip. The names Monomeria barbata Lindl. and Monomeria crabro C.S.P.Parish & Rchb.f. are lectotypified here.