Buckleberry or Cirrhopetalum

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 258-365

Cirrhopetalum, abbreviated as Cirr in hortcultural trade, is a genus of epiphyte orchids (family Orchidaceae, subfamily Epidendroideae). 

Buckleberry at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens.

Cirrhopetalum Elizabeth Ann Buckleberry

Description

• The inflorescence of this clone hold a ring of 8 to 10 flowers , which measuring up to 9" long . It grows intermediate to warm with consistent humidity in moderate light as phalaenopsis orchids.
• Can produce amazing specimen plants when grown in baskets.
• Likes to grow in a reasonably cool, humid shady place.  Needs frost protection.

Culture: 

Having already stated that these plants are epiphytes, we will realize that they need good drainage. They do not do well (for any length of time) in pots. I like to have them hanging on plaques of bark or cork; they can be tied to thin branches; the more robust plants like B. dayanum and B. Elizabeth Ann ‘Bucklebury’ FCC/AOS need stout supports. 

They do well in open baskets and very shallow, saucer-like pots with additional holes in them. A fine to medium loose mix works well. They grow throughout the year with only some species (from the Himalaya regions, Myanmar and Western China as well as some Pacific islands with higher elevations) needing a few weeks of drier rest after the new growths have matured.

 During active growth, all enjoy regular watering and weak fertilizer, high humidity, medium light and warm temperature: winter absolute minimum: 16–18°F.

Bulbophyllums and their allies do not like to have their roots disturbed – leave them alone unless the mix (if there is any) becomes stale. Then, you must rescue them quickly. I thought that just letting them dry will help but no – they die in soggy, old mixes. Please note: they dislike any strong chemical applications.

History: 

During the 18^th century, many newly discovered and interesting plants were sent to Europe, among them were a good number from the French islands off the East Africa coast (Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar); therefore the French plant scientist Louis-Marie Aubert Du Petit-Thouars, born 1758, decided to go there with his brother, to explore the flora of these islands. He could not go travelling during the French Revolution, but managed in 1792 to find a ship that would take him to these islands in the Indian Ocean.

In 1802 the brothers returned to France where Louis subsequently published several treatises and books (with drawings) about the plants he found there. Contained in some of his writings, were the first descriptions of “Phyllorkis”, which Thouars later re-named “Bulbophyllums”.