Eulophia zollingeri (Rchb.f.) J.J.Sm.

About Eulophia zollingeri (Rchb.f.) J.J.Sm.

Eulophia zollingeri is a terrestrial orchid herb that grows from an underground pseudobulb. This species does not produce any green leaves, but the flowering stem bears fleshy, pointed bracts. Between six and forty reddish brown flowers are borne on a flowering stem that grows 400–900 mm (20–40 in) tall. Each flower measures 40–50 mm (1.6–2.0 in) long and 50–60 mm (2.0–2.4 in) wide, and gives off a sharp, unpleasant odour. The dorsal sepal is elliptic to oblong in shape, 15–23 mm (0.6–0.9 in) long, 4–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide, and curves forward. The lateral sepals are more or less oblong, 16–25 mm (0.6–1 in) long, 6–9 mm (0.2–0.4 in) wide, and have a pointed tip. The petals are lance-shaped, 11–18 mm (0.4–0.7 in) long, and 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide. The labellum is dark red with yellow colouring on its outer surface, shaped oblong to egg-shaped. It is 14–15 mm (0.55–0.59 in) long, 15–18 mm (0.6–0.7 in) wide, and divided into three lobes. The middle lobe curves downward and is covered with short, thick hairs, while the side lobes are held erect. Flowering occurs between December and February in Australia, and from April to May in China. Eulophia zollingeri grows in and near the edges of rainforest, in areas with rotting wood. It can be found in China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Guinea, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and tropical northern Queensland, Australia.