Grammatophyllum speciosum, the world’s largest orchid is now in bloom in the Gardens (on the Callophyllum tree next to Function Hall and on the green roof at Botany Centre and near the Lady on Hammock sculpture at Tanglin Core). It is also commonly known as the “tiger orchid” because the markings on the flowers resemble those on a tiger.

The tiger orchid in its blooming glory

Native to the region, this spectacular orchid can weigh as much as two tonnes.  In the wild, it usually grows as an epiphyte in forks of sturdy trees, where its roots form basket-like structures that capture leaves and other sources of nutrients.   The massive flower spikes that emerge from the base of the plant reach over 2 metres tall. Each prodigious spike may produce more than 30 large, waxy flowers, 10 cm in diameter.