New orchid display launches at Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest; features rare species from Peru
In addition to 30 live orchids, 80 preserved species can be found at the showcase.
A new display featuring more than 30 rare species of orchids was launched on Friday (Aug 18) at Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest.
The floral display, titled Orchids of Machu Picchu, is a collaboration between Gardens by the Bay and the Embassy of Peru.
It includes the Masdevallia veitchiana, also known as the ‘Waqanki’ orchid. This species is a vibrant orange and fuchsia-hued bloom with drooping sepals and is named for the tears an Inca princess shed for her warrior beloved who left to fight in a war.
Other unique orchids on display include the Epidendrum cylindrostachys, an epiphytic orchid with miniature yellow and purple-spotted flowers. A lady slipper orchid named the Phragmipedium caudatum can also be found with unusually long petals that grow up to 30cm in length.
Other than the 30 live orchid displays, another 80 orchid species that were preserved in glass resin will be showcased in a five-metre orchidarium. These orchids are not only difficult to spot in the wild, but they also bloom infrequently.
Exportation of these orchids out of Peru is prohibited due to their conservation status. This preserved collection has been brought out of Peru for the first time through the support of eco-tourism company Inkaterra.
Access to the display is ticketed. It will be on until Feb 18, 2024.
