Grammatophyllum speciosum

Grammatophyllum speciosum, the largest orchid plant in the world is a native orchid of Singapore. Grammatophyllum speciosum is commonly known as known as Tiger orchid because of the markings on the flowers which resemble the stripes of a tiger. This dramatic, beautiful fragrant orchid is extremely rare if not already extinct in the wild in Singapore. It was last found in Tuas and Pulau Ubin (Ridley, 1900). One interesting fact to note that the lower flowers are abnormal looking. It usually has two sepals, two petals. no lip and an abortive column. Speculations that this occurence is to attract a certain pollinator for this beauty.

In the wild, the plant is usually found on the fork of the trees. It is seldom found on higher branches as a mature plant can weight more than 1 ton and these branches would not be able to substain the heavy load.

The conservation efforts by the National parks to re-introduce the plant to the City are showing results, a number of the plants they planted are surviving. It would be a few more years before they would bloom. Some of the introduced areas include Pulau Ubin, Orchard Road, Alexandra Road and some of the parks in the heartland.