The story of why orchid is the national flower of S’pore is pretty eye opening

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:54 pm

When national day comes around, it is not uncommon to see banners and publicity materials adorned with the ever-so-vibrant Orchid flower. On the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, NParks also named another orchid Aranda Lee Kuan Yew after our founding father.

Orchids play a huge role in Singapore, but do you know its story? You might be surprised. Here a bit of information on Singapore’s favourite flower.

The decision to have a national flower was part of an overall effort to foster national pride and identity in 15 April, 1981. Out of 40 flowers, in which 30 were of the orchid species, the Vanda Miss Joaquim was picked to be Singapore’s national flower. This flower is a hybrid, a cross breed of flowers, between Vanda hookeriana and Vanda teres.

However, the name “Vanda Miss Joaquim” stirred some issues with its origin. It is said that the first director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens in 1893 named the orchid after Agnes Joaquim (or Ashkhen Hovakimian in Armenian). However, other accounts mention that the flower was actually bred or discovered by a real Agnes Joaquim. Another account claimed that as an experienced horticulturalist, Agnes Joaquim created the hybrid rather than discovered it.

Singapore is the ONLY country to have a hybrid flower as its national flower. But what exactly does the Vanda Miss Joaquim represent? The reason why Vanda Miss Joaquim was picked was because this species of orchid and several varieties of the Vanda Miss Joaquim are known for their particularly vibrant colours, hardiness and resilience, all of which are qualities which reflect the Singapore spirit.

Furthermore, given that it is a hybrid, it pretty much represents the nature of our country–a unique country with people of different ethnicity living together in harmony. This harmonious spirit is uncommon outside of Singapore and we are of the opinion that the hybrid nature of the Vanda Miss Joaquim perfectly captures this quality of our home.

The large and broad lip of the orchid is a violet colour, which contrast beautifully with the darker violet in the center of the flower complete with bright orange.

Furthermore, it is not surprising to know of its conditions needed for it to thrive: The Vanda ‘Miss Joaquim’ thrives in the sun and require heavy fertilizing. Its stem allows for vertical support to enable it to grow straight and tall in high humidity.

With Singapore so hot and humid, it is no wonder why the Vanda ‘Miss Joaquim’ is so apt to be our national flower.

Top Image: thipjang  / Shutterstock.com