Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

[2] The distribution and range of B. jaapii is extremely limited; confined entirely to the summit forests and scrublands of a singular mountain in Camaroon (Mount Kupe, a dormant volcano on the Western High Plateau), at elevations of approximately 1,800 meters.

However, despite several detailed surveys of the area a decade later, no further specimens have been collected.

[1] Although its habitat is situated above the elevation where local human activity could pose a significant threat, B. jaapii is more subject to catastrophic reduction in population from a singular event, such as a mudslide or forest fire, owing to its extremely small and isolated range.

This article relating to Bulbophyllum (Africa clade) is a stub.