Are these orchids really black? Though common in fantasy novels and perfume names, black orchids exist only in legend. Even varieties which appear black are actually dark purple or dark brown. The fact that they don’t exist in nature doesn’t stop the orchid world from trying. Many orchid breeders labor to turn myth into fact […]
Orchids are important symbols for many nations. The countries listed below have picked native orchids as national flowers, and proud emblems of their natural heritage. Many hold special meanings, often associated with important holidays. Some of these species are endangered, and their national status helps promote their conservation. Belize – The Black Orchid, Prosthechea cochleata, […]
The Philippines is ready to declare an orchid as its new national flower. Known in the local language as Waling-Waling, Euanthe sanderiana is a member of the Vanda family, and is often called “the Queen of Philippine flowers.” Since this beautiful orchid is endangered, its new status will enable the Philippines to take more conservation measures […]
Prepare to be amazed at the upcoming 61st Pacific Orchid Expo. The country’s largest orchid show debuts Thursday evening with a preview gala, and is open to all from Friday through Sunday. Fitting for San Francisco, with historically strong ties to Asia, this year’s theme is “East meets West.” Below I’ve posted a few photos […]
The American Orchid Society (AOS) proudly offers their beautiful 2013 wall calendar. For just $14.95 ($13.50 for AOS members,) it’s easy to enjoy gorgeous orchids in constant bloom — no water, fertilizer, or repotting necessary. The 2013 AOS calendar has 14 months of orchids in the wild, and $2 from each calendar purchase funds conservation […]
Lots of butterflies enjoy visiting our garden, but they’re usually flitting around too quickly to capture them in photos. A couple days ago this Gulf Fritillary took a while to warm up in the autumn chill, so Dave had a chance to take these great shots. The butterfly even found a sunny perch on a […]
A new study reveals that the Ancient Romans were orchid lovers. Botanists at Italy’s Roma Tre University have assembled a detailed database identifying plants in old Roman carvings, paintings, and textiles. Their work shows that Mediterranean orchid species were Roman favorites. This pushes back the earliest orchid representations in Western art from the Renaissance to […]
Summertime is a great time to relax with refreshing Storzette, “the Orchid of Beer.” Alas, only the ad campaign remains from this floral appeal to women in the 1950’s. “The original beer for women” was a creation of Storz Brewing in Omaha, Nebraska, and featured a colorful Cattleya on the label. “Created for the feminine […]
San Francisco often welcomes the summer solstice with a cool fog, but today’s warm and sunny weather feels more in line with the beginning of the season. The most northerly trek of the sun has been noted throughout human history in every corner of the world. Whether you’re enjoying long hours of sunlight, or marking […]
Recently I spotted Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo at the drugstore. After buying it, I saw that it contains “Orchis mascula flower extract.” This Orchis is a terrestrial species, probably a distant second to vanilla as the most important commercial orchid. Native to an enormous range of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Northern […]
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