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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2008
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Leeann Lavin: 718-623-7289, leeannlavin@bbg.org
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Rare Tiger Orchid Blooms in Brooklyn
PHOTO: The tiger orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum) is now in bloom at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (photo: aaorchids.com).
Brooklyn, NY—September 12, 2008—A rare tiger orchid, the world's largest orchid, is now in bloom at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). Uncommon in nature and rarely found in cultivation, the tiger orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum) is usually found growing in the branch bark ridges of large trees and can be up to 15 feet in length; the largest single plant on record had a mass of two tons. A native of the hot, humid tropical forests of Malaysia, Sumatra, and New Guinea, this orchid is known for its magnificent displays when in flower, but this is a rare treat, as it blooms only once every two to five years. It last blossomed at BBG in January 2003.
The flowers of the tiger orchid, which is also known as the sugarcane orchid in its native regions, are long-lasting, and the plant can remain in bloom for up to two months. The flowers, yellow or cream-colored with chocolate brown or dark red spots, may reach six inches across. The flower stems (inflorescences) often reach six to nine feet in length and have 60 to 100 flowers per spike. The genus name Grammatophyllum is derived from the Greek words for "grass" and "leaf," for the orchid's resemblance to grass or sugarcane.
"The blooming of the tiger orchid is especially exciting—not only because it is so rare to see, particularly in this part of the world, but also because it is blooming on public display for the second time in less than five years, which is truly remarkable," noted BBG's Dave Horak, curator of the Orchid Collection and Robert W. Wilson Aquatic House. Horak is also the past president of the Greater New York Orchid Society and past chairman of the New York International Orchid Show. "Tropical orchids are frequently cited as the showstoppers of the plant world, and the tiger orchid gets top billing—it is a 'must-see' for everyone," Horak added. Due to its large size, it is not common to see a blooming tiger orchid in cultivation.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden's specimen is blooming for the second time since it was donated to the garden by a volunteer in 1998. It can be seen in the Robert W. Wilson Aquatic House in the Steinhardt Conservatory, where it is suspended over a shallow pool in a large wooden basket. Its flower stem is approximately seven feet long and in full bloom. The orchid itself is 12 feet in diameter and weighs approximately 200 pounds.
BBG has a long history of cultivating orchids. Indeed, the Garden's seventh plant accession was a native lady's-slipper, Cypripedium acaule. The BBG orchid collection now consists of approximately 6,000 plants, distributed through 320 genera and representing more than 3000 species from around the world.