December 2011, Singapore – The Orchid Vanda Miss Joaquim is Singapore’s national flower. Visitors to Singapore would be able to spot many breeds of orchids here. Orchids have been found in Singapore way before Singapore gained independence in 1965.
Through an orchid conservation programme, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has been ensuring the continued growth and existence of the flowers in Singapore despite the island-country’s rapid urbanisation.
In conjunction with the World Orchid Congress last month, The Singapore Mint and Monetary Authority of Singapore paid homage to two native orchids, the Grammatophyllum speciosum and the Cymbidium finlaysonianum. The 2011 Native Orchids of Singapore coins is available for sale from Singapore Mint outlets.
These 1oz 999 fine silver proof coins are the first to bear a special semi-rimless design which enhances the appearance of the coins, making the coins seem as if they protrude out . They measure 40.7mm in diameter and weigh 31.10 gm. Only 10,000 pieces of each individual coin has been produced.
These coins are available as a two-in-one set at S$300 or individually at S$148. The two-in-one set comes with two certificates of authenticity bearing the same serial number.
Grammatophyllum speciosum
The world’s largest orchid plant is also commonly known as the Tiger Orchid or the Giant Orchid. It can weigh over a ton at maturity with inflorescences that can grow up to a size of two metres with over 30 flowers. The blooms usually take seven to nine years.
It is known as the Tiger Orchid because the yellow petals are yellow and dotted with maroon spots. Check out www.singaporemint.com for more information.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum
This pendulous orchid species has been introduced into various parts of Singapore. Usually seen growing on trees along the roads of Singapore, the metre-long inflorescence carries delicate flowers that thrive in a nutrient-deficient environment by feeding on decaying litter shed by its host tree.
Its olive colour flowers are splashed with a vibrant bright yellow tinge. Unfortunately the night temperature in Singapore is too high for these orchids causing their blooms to fall off even before they are in bloom.
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