Dimorphorchis rossii

This fascinating and rare epiphytic orchid species is endemic to riverine and lower montain forests atop ultramafic soils between 300-1200 metres on eastern slopes of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah Province on the Indonesian island of Borneo.  This species and the few others in its genus are remarkable for their long-lasting dimorphic flowers; the upper flowers of the inflorescence are pure yellow and emit an intoxicatingly rich and pleasant scent primarily in the daytime while the lower flowers are white with spots and frilly margins that have no detectable fragrance.  Both flowers have male and female parts and it remains unknown what its natural pollinator is and what role these dimorphic flowers play in its pollination biology.  This species can take as long as 10-12 years to bloom from seed.

© 2012 Jacob Uluwehi Knecht