David Ee Straits Times 8 Mar 13;
KEEP your eyes peeled the next time you drive down Holland Road, or take a stroll at East Coast Park - you might just spy a graceful giant last seen in Singapore over a century ago.
The tiger orchid - the world's largest tree-growing orchid - has bloomed in the wild for the first time since the Botanic Gardens re-introduced the native plant to the island in 1999.
One would have had to go back to 1900 for the last time the maroon-speckled yellow flowers, which went extinct in the wild due to habitat loss, were recorded being seen. But early last month, about 20 of the plants, which can grow to the size of a car, started flowering.
It has been a long wait for the Garden's senior orchid breeding researcher Yam Tim Wing, who told The Straits Times that these slow-growing orchids take at least five years to bloom.
Even then, a host of factors need to align: the right maturity, adequate sunlight, a rich supply of nutrients, and an environmental trigger such as heavy rain.
While 20 plants have flowered this time, about 800 others in places such as Orchard Boulevard, Pulau Ubin and Upper Peirce Reservoir have not.
The fragrant flowers may stay in bloom for another month, but are at their peak now.
"The next two weeks are the perfect time for people to see them," said Dr Yam.
Of the 226 native species of wild orchids that used to grow here, only 55 remain. The only specimens of species that are extinct in the wild are at the Botanic Gardens.
Reintroducing orchids into the city and nature reserves is part of the country's City in a Garden vision and 18 species of orchids, including the tiger orchid, have been grown across the island to date.
For now, Dr Yam has only a small window to study the flowers before they wilt. Three times a week, he visits the blooms to search for fruit.
The fruit will mature and split after about five months, casting out millions of seeds which can be carried for kilometres by the wind. Although the tiger orchid is found on trees, it may occasionally grow on rocks. He said: "If the seeds are dispersed successfully, we may see natural populations take root again. This is our hope."
By the way, these tiger orchids are for your eyes only. It is illegal to take plant samples or cuttings from public green spaces.
SPOT THEM
Holland Road
On trees along Holland Road. The most spectacular - 2.4m wide and with 12 orchid sprays - are on the road divider opposite the Botanic Gardens
Napier Road
Along Napier Road, on the road divider opposite the US embassy
East Coast Park
Near area D; and the East Coast Parkway, outside the former Budget Terminal, before one goes on the PIE