Tiger Orchid
A tiger is taking over the Brooklyn Botanic Garden! Native to rainforests of Southeast Asia, the Tiger Orchid makes a big impression. Grammatophyllum speciosum is the world’s largest orchid. This tropical species can grow as heavy as 2 tons (1.8 metric tons,) and believe it or not, it’s an air plant. The Brooklyn specimen has burst into bloom, just the third time in 13 years. Checking in at 300 pounds (136 kg) and 12 feet (3.7 m) wide, it has 17 flower spikes, each with scores of blooms. Its 4 inch (10 cm) yellow flowers have reddish brown spots, giving the plant its feline nickname. Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden within the next month to appreciate the full size of this jungle creature, and to enjoy hundreds of its fragrant blossoms.
Explore posts in the same categories: Botanical Gardens, Fragrant Orchids, In the News, Warm Growers
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November 19th, 2011 at 7:24 am
I saw this orchid a week ago—it’s incredible! I highly recommend visiting it if you’re in the area. I feel lucky that I live nearby and am able to go see it.
November 19th, 2011 at 10:55 am
This Queen of the Orchids is utterly amazing. Sadly, I have never seen one in bloom although I’ve been going to orchid shows for about 20 years now.
However, I do have several miniature Tiger Orchids in my collection so I guess I can close my eyes and visualize them growing in mammoth proportions.
November 20th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
Very nice site!
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Lovely post and I love the pictures! keep them coming I thourghly enjoyed it, I personally love orchids and think everyone should keep them
December 13th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Great post altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader.