Monday, June 7, 2010

Pinoy Cymbidium Orchids

Quick post: Two native Cymbidium species are in flower in friends' gardens. Cymbidium is a genus of garden popular orchids, especially varieties developed and used in Hawaii (developed from showy species coming from China and South Asia). Here in Manila, they are overshadowed by the more common Dendrobiums, Vandas and Phalaenopsis. From what I previously know there are only 2 species of Cymbidiums native to the country. But orchid aficionado Wally Suarez said that now there are about 8 species recognized native of the Philippines.

The two species in flower are the reddish colored Cymbidium atropurpureum and the drabber (yellow and reddish brown) C. finlaysonianum. Both seem to be easy to rear even in the lowland gardens of Manila. They thrive and flower even with neglect. They are nice additions to a tropical garden, even when not in bloom.

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