Vivi's Orchid Corner

Dear Orchid Friends:

I wish to provide you with an overview of the old world which is also known as MALESIA, which covers Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. These countries also form the economic grouping called ASEAN. Only Papua New Guinea is not in the grouping.

Two thirds of the world's rainforests blanket these eleven beautiful countries of diverse ethnic groups of people, religion, culture and traditions. This is the third most populous region in the world and also home to some of the famous orchid personalities such as the Paphiopedilum rothschildianum and sanderianum.

Also included are Phalaenopsis violacea and amabilis; Renanthera storiei, philippinensis , imschootiana, and bella and those orchids in the Arachnis family. The highly prized Vanda sanderana and Vanda coerulea are part of the Old World Orchids and are used extensively in hybridization. As a point of interest, the Vanda hookeriana and Arachnis flos-aris were responsible for the mass growing and production of the first commercial vandaceous cut flower orchids and still contribute to the cut flower (orchid) industry on a large scale. Today, you can find orchid farms, which should be called plantations, ranging from 30 to 100 acres in planted acreage. Nurseries of this size cannot be found in any other parts of the world.

The ASEAN countries account for more than 6000 of the worlds' identified orchid species. All of these species and related information is archived in the Smithsonian, The American Orchid Society, Mary Selby and Kew Botanical Gardens and most of the prominent botanical gardens of the world.

So lets SURF THE OLD WORLD to an encounter of the fourth kind to visit some of the most beautiful places, meet the most diverse grouping of people and their beautiful orchids.

ABU

A few more "Old World" tidbits...

The Renanthera genus contains approximately 13 species. Flower colors typically range from reds to orange and many are speckled with red. They love tropical climates, high light and lots of fertilizer. Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is a multifloral paph and can have several flower blooms simultaneously. Paphiopedilums are generally cool growing orchids, however, the paphs with mottled leaves tolerate warm climates.

Phalaenopsis violacea is native to Borneo and Malaysia. These flowers are brilliant fuschia and green and deliciously fragrant. Flowers bloom in succession (one after the other) instead of a spray of flowers.

Vanda sanderiana is also classified as Euanthe sanderiana. This species is bred for its large, flat, well-formed flower and it grows in the Philippines. The Vanda coeruleais known for its bluish hues with deep blue veins. It grows in India and Thailand and can tolerate cooler nights. It is also used extensively in hybridization and provides the deep purple and blue tints that we admire.

There is so much fascinating information to share and learn. I hope you enjoyed your brief travelogue about Old World Orchids.

Visit the Shah Alam International Orchid Show,Malaysia.

Look for the forthcoming Web site for the 17th WOC, Malaysia, 2002. We'll keep you posted!

Until next time,

Vivi