Mastiphyllum Louis SanderI don’t grow a whole lot of hybrids, and the hybrids I do grow are usually primary hybrids within the same genus. Bulbophyllum Louis Sander is the result of a cross between Bulbophyllum longissimum x Bulbophyllum ornatissimum. When this hybrid was conceived back in 1936 it was actually classified as a primary hybrid in the Cirrhopetalum genus, and it is the earliest recorded hybrid in the Bulbophyllum alliance, but since then genetic research has changed  the family alliances. There has been some debate about the name… and some call this hybrid Mastiphyllum, which would be a cross between a Bulbophyllum and a Mastigion. But since Mastigion is just a section within the large Bulbophyllum genus, it really should be called Bulbophyllum Louis Sander, as registered with the RHS. Thanks for clearing that up Linda.

The amazing Alice in wonderland-inspired flowers measure about 8 cm across with 25 cm long petals. I suppose this should have been included in the fragrance series this summer, but I did not have the heart to since it actually isn’t a terribly pleasant fragrance. The closest description I could think up would be  three-days-old really sweaty and stinky gym socks… but thankfully you cannot really smell it unless you stick your nose right in it. None the less, I just love the whimsy in the details, the fuzz, and the color. I grow it potted in bark in the intermediate growing room under medium light.

Registrant: Sanders, Originator: Sanders, Date of registration: 01/01/1936

Mastiphyllum Louis Sander