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ORCHID EXTRAVAGANZA 2016

The orchid may be ubiquitous, but it conceals many surprises among its numerous blooms. Regarded as the world’s most diverse botanical family, orchids grow on almost every continent and vary widely in size and form. Did you know there are more species of orchids in the world than the number of bird species or even mammal species?

The diversity of the orchid world will be brought to life in this year’s Orchid Extravaganza, which runs from 22 July to 28 August in the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Set amidst an enchanted forest where the mythical Orchidians call home, a stunning display of some 12,000 orchid plants awaits.

Designed by Singaporean garden landscape designer Alan Tan, Orchid Extravaganza 2016 will feature over 200 orchid species and hybrids. From the intriguing monkey-like Dracula to the bright, flamboyant blooms of the Cattleya, there is an orchid for every taste.

Be mesmerised by the entrancing spiral of orchids above you in the Sacred Trees of Wisdom. Or take a moment to admire the flow of orchid colours along the Stream of Life. As you stroll through this secret village dotted with quaint fruit-shaped houses, you just might spot an Orchidian or two!

In conjunction with the Singapore Garden Festival from 23 to 31 July, the Flower Dome will also showcase more than 400 orchids from the Singapore Orchid Show by the Orchid Society of South East Asia (OSSEA).

Theme Date Time

Orchid Extravaganza

Friday, 22 July to Sunday, 28 August *9am – 10pm during Singapore Garden Festival from 23 to 31 July

9am – 9pm*

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About Alan Tan Alan Tan discovered his love for plants 25 years ago, when he started work at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. A total stranger to the Plant Kingdom and horticulture prior to this, he learned about the industry on the job with the support of his co-workers and supervisors. He subsequently enrolled in the School of Horticulture and graduated with Diplomas with Merit in both Horticulture and Landscape Design. His potential as a horticulturist and designer was recognised early by his supervisors, and he was sent to the University of Hawaii at Manoa on a scholarship. In December 2001, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Tropical Horticulture. Through his course of work, Alan realised he had a flair for landscaping and floral artistry. Though not formally trained as a garden designer, one can still see his touch in many areas of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. His landscaping skills were further developed through participation in garden and flower shows. He has contributed design ideas in several exhibitions and shows, including the Skyrise Gardens Exhibitions, Singapore International Orchid Show 1995, Singapore Orchid Festival 2003 and Singapore Bloom 2004. A self-taught floral artist, his works can also be seen gracing many national events and functions, as well as the home of former President of Singapore S R Nathan. After spending more than 23 years in the public service, Alan decided it was time to challenge himself and thus co-founded Living Décor (S) Pte Ltd in 2015. As the company’s Managing Director, he hopes to continue to create beautiful gardens and green spaces as he believes every home deserves an Eden.

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Meet the Orchidians

The Orchidians are eight little mythical beings that are named after different genera in the orchid family. Get to know them better, and spot all eight in the Orchid Extravaganza floral display!

Papa is the wise chief of the Orchidians, and is inspired by the majestic Tiger Orchid.

Bulba is named after the Bulbophyllum genus, which is prized for its truly unconventional-looking blooms.

Cymba is named after the Cymbidium genus, known for generally undemanding plants that produce colourful flowers.

Drac is named after the Dracula genus, which consists of unique-looking flowers that thrive in a shady and cold environment.

Ludie is named after the Ludisia genus, special because it consists of only one species that is admired for the beauty of its showy foliage rather than its petite white flowers.

Max is named after the Maxillaria genus, which may not be as popular as other genera because of its small blooms, but nonetheless has its own following among specialty collectors who value its fragrance.

Phal is named after the Phalaenopsis genus, one of the most popular orchids among enthusiasts because of the multitude of hybrids in almost every imaginable colour.

Vandie is named after the Vanda genus, well-known for having some of the showiest flowers in the orchid family.

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Examples of orchids featured in Orchid Extravaganza

ORCHID GENERA

Dracula Orchids “Dracula” in the Dracula genus of orchids originated from the Latin word draco, meaning dragon. The genus is named as such for the fancy, bizarre-looking flowers of some of its species. Many of the species in the Dracula genus are from South America. Some species, like Dracula gigas, Dracula kareniae and Dracula olmosii, have flowers that look like an ape’s face, giving rise to the common name Monkey Face Orchid. Another species of note is the Dracula vampira (photo), or Vampire Orchid, which produces large flowers measuring about 20cm to 30cm wide, with dark purplish veins and a greenish sepal.

Masdevallia Orchids The Masdevallia genus of orchids is named in honour of 18

th

century Spanish physician and botanist, Jose Masdevall. The main feature of Masdevallia blooms is their showy sepals, which taper into a tube with tips that grow out into a “tail” of about three to four inches long. Due to their long tails, these orchids are sometimes known as Kite Orchids. These interesting-looking orchids come in an array of colours such as bright red, orange, purple and white.

Photo credit: Ecuagenera Cia Ltda

Miltoniopsis Orchids Miltoniopsis orchids are also known as Pansy Orchids because of their resemblance to pansies. This genus of orchids was named after Viscount Milton, an 18

th century

English orchid grower. Opsis, which forms part of the genus name, means “resembling” in Greek. These orchids are native to Columbia, Ecuador and Panama. The spectacular blooms of hybrids are very showy and come in a wide range of colours. Look out for “waterfall” or “butterfly” markings of red, pink or yellow on a white base. The flowers are lightly fragrant

Photo credit: Ecuagenera Cia Ltda

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ORCHID SPECIES AND HYBRIDS

Anguloa clowesii This uncommon species, which hails from Colombia and Venezuela, bears little resemblance to the form commonly associated with orchids. As such, it is also called Tulip Orchid, because it resembles a tulip, or Cradle Orchid, because the flower has a lip that can rock back and forth like a cradle. Blooms are lemon or golden yellow in colour, with a strong wintergreen fragrance.

Rhyncholaeliocattleya Chyong Guu Linnet ‘Smile’ This cross between Rhyncholaeliocattleya Haw Yuan Beauty and Rhyncholaeliocattleya Tzeng-Wen Beauty is commonly referred to as the Cat Face Cattleya. This show-stealing hybrid has white sepals, rich red petals and a lip with a yellow centre.

Rhyncholaeliocattleya Greenwich ‘Elmburt’ With their green petals and a purple lip, the flowers of this hybrid of Cattleya Ann Follis and Rhyncholaeliocattleya Lester McDonald stand out. The unusual flowers are also large and fragrant.

Grammatophyllum scriptum var. citrinum Each floral spike of this orchid can produce an extraordinary number of green-coloured blooms. Some plants can have up to 150 flowers growing from each floral spike, making it a spectacular specimen to have on show.

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Phalaenopsis Kenneth Schubert ‘Taida Violet’ A hybrid between Phalaenopsis (Doritis) pulcherrima and Phalaenopsis violacea, this small, pale violet-coloured orchid is often selected for shows because of its demure and fragrant blooms.

Phalaenopsis Ben Yu Orange With its stunning peach-coloured blooms, this cross between Phalaenopsis Ming Chao Arai and Phalaenopsis Ben Yu Star is a show-stealer when used in displays.

Phalaenopsis I-Hsin Cherry Bomb The richness of the dark maroon-red blooms of this hybrid of Phalaenopsis Leopard Prince and Phalaenopsis I-Hsin Golden Stone creates a strong yet appealing impact.

Phalaenopsis Taida Smile ‘Taida Little Green’ This cross between Phalaenopsis Taipei Gold and Phalaenopsis Timothy Christopher has flowers of a pale, greenish-yellow colour, which contrast strikingly with yellow lips.

Renantanda Kirk Hoo This cross between Renanthera philippinensis and Vanda Doctor Anek has deep red and fairly long lasting flowers, which make for an arresting display.

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Vanda Varut Leopard This hybrid of Vanda Udom Pranerm and Vanda Suksamran has brown speckles on yellow blooms. Its inflorescence can produce up to six blooms, with flowers measuring up to 6cm across.

Vanda Robert’s Delight ‘Ink Star’ A hybrid of Vanda Kasem’s Delight and Vanda Madame Ratana, its rich, dark purplish-blue flowers create a bold and impactful presence when used in displays.

Vanda Yellow Butterfly Both the spotted and non-spotted varieties of this cross between Vanda Tubtim Velvet and Vanda Butterfly will be on display. The photo on the right showcases the spotted variety, which has lovely two-tone flowers in yellow and peach, covered with evenly-distributed orange spots.

Vandachostylis Nopporn Orange Rosy This cross between Vandachostylis Shigenori Yamanaka and Vanda Yarnisa Gold has deep orange blooms, which is a popular colour for Vandas.