Thailand History Guide

This variety of orchids, named after William Cattley, the first horticulturist successfully to grow epiphytic orchids in England, is the most popular orchid in cultivated collections.  Orchidists and breeders artificially cross pollinating species within a genus or intergenetically, can create the most dazzling hybrids, many of which are developed for the cut folower market.

Cattleyas

As indicated in its name dendrobrium from the Greek word dendroll (tree). this aerial species grows on trees. Though its habitat ranges from lhe tropical forests of Malaysia 10 the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, this flower is mostly found in the depth of the jungles of Thailand, Burma and Laos.

Dendrobrium Trigonopsis

A common sight in mangroves and wetlands, this flower belongs to the largest group of orchids. Its rhizomes creep on tree roots and branches. producing clusters of golden spiky petals.

Bulbophyllum Concinnum

The poetical name of this orchid, “children of the air”, refer to its epiphytic habit. Also known as the “foxtail orchid,” this fragrant flower comes in various shades of ivory, magenta and pink.

Aerides Odoratum

Some orchids produce an aroma similar 10 that of female organs of insects. thus deceiving their pollinators. Lured inlo mating with the flower, the insect shakes the pollinia out of the anther cap, involuntarily causing pollination.

This spectacular blue orchid native to Thailand belongs 10 the Yanda family. It grows at high altitudes between 3,300 feet and 4,600 feel, and can be found in the mountains around Chiang Mai.

Vanda Coerulea

Cymbidium orchids, from the Greek word kymbioi, which means boat-shaped, were praised by Confucius as the “queen of all flowers’” Although such orchids occur allover Asia, this particular ivory species is native to Thailand where it grows at altitudes of between 1,000 and 2.500 feet.

Cymbidium Siamensis

Falling organic litter lodged between the tree branches forms a rich soil in which epiphytic plants such as bromeliads and orchids grow.  Orchids are non-parasitic species.  Their elaborate structure allows them to make the most of the supply of rainwater and nutrients without damaging their host plants.

Gardens in the air