(From right) Penang Botanic Gardens researcher Dr Ooi Im Hin, botany and conservation unit head Jamnah Abdul Rahman and consultant Wan Norilani Wan Ismail at the Orchid House that will be opening soon. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Private visits can be arranged pending opening of Orchid House in Penang Botanic Gardens
THE Orchid House at Penang Botanic Gardens is set to be a major attraction when it opens to the public later this year.
Within the octagon-shaped enclosure will be an impressive 128 orchid species.
The gardens’ research officer Dr Ooi Im Hin said these orchids were predominantly indigenous species from all over Malaysia.
The Pale Reed Orchid is one of the over 100 species at Orchid House in Penang Botanic Gardens. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
“Orchidaceae is an extensive plant family with more than 1,000 species within Malaysia.
“While the majority of these native orchids experience an annual flowering cycle, producing modestly sized blooms, others are hybrid species that flower all year round,” he said when met at the botanic gardens.
Also seen tending to the orchids were the gardens’ botany and conservation unit head Jamnah Abdul Rahman and curator Dr Wan Norilani Wan Ismail.
Ooi said that among the orchids, the Paraphalaenopsis labukensis, also known as the Labuk River paraphalaenopsis, would be sure to draw enthusiasts.
“Another notable resident is the Pink Spotted Orchid (Dendrobium rosellum).
Ooi showing terrestrial orchid Jamba which grows on the ground. .
“The Pale Reed Orchid (Bromheadia finlaysoniana) is also blooming here.
“Just outside Orchid House is the Tiger Orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum), so named for its speckled flowers resembling a tiger’s coat.
“This imposing orchid is known to be the tallest species in the world.
“There is another Tiger Orchid plant located at the entrance of the gardens, where the old raintree used to be,” he added.
Orchid House will open later this year.
Ooi said it took five years for the Orchid House project to reach fruition.
This initiative was undertaken after the gardens’ management realised that the orchidarium, situated near the Lily Pond, was unsuitable for orchids due to its excessive shade and dampness.
In a report on Feb 20, 2020, The Star highlighted visitors’ disappointment with the state of the orchidarium as many of the plants were dead.“Furthermore, a significant number of orchid species in the orchidarium had not been properly classified.
“The team had to patiently wait for the orchids to bloom before they could ascertain their respective genus and species.
“We have now established a practice of meticulously documenting all the orchid species we possess,” said Ooi, who emphasised the importance of recording essential data such as the plants’ acquisition details.
Visitors posing with Tiger Orchids, the world’s tallest, at the entrance to the gardens.
Orchids primarily possess herbaceous (non-woody) traits, with some species exhibiting vine-like growth or displaying a modest shrubby form.
They inhabit diverse environments including land-based habitats (terrestrial) and surfaces like rocks (lithophytic) as well as living on other plants (epiphytic).
Among the more interesting orchid species in the enclosure is the Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis pulcherrima).
This orchid with showy white, purple and yellow flowers is rare in peninsular Malaysia. It can only be found in the northern parts of Kedah and in Terengganu.
Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi or Deer Antler Moth Orchid is among the species that can be seen at the Orchid House.
It is a sun-loving species and has been recorded growing on sandy soil along riverbanks, inland or on rocks which are sometimes covered with moss.
Another specimen at Orchid House is the Jamba (Neuwiedia veratrifolia), which grows on the ground.
It is found in Malaysia, Borneo, Java, Sumatra, Moluccas (Maluku Islands), New Guinea, Solomon Islands, the Philippines and Vanuatu.
The species is critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, as collectors love its bright yellow and golden flowers.
As for the Paraphalaenopsis labukensis, it is native to the Labuk Valley in Sabah.
The gardens is home to many unusual species like the Mirror Plant with its big leaves. A specimen was stolen last year. — Filepic
This interesting species has brown, mahogany and orange flowers which smell like cinnamon.
It is endangered due to various human activities like oil palm plantations.
“A shadow looms over many of our orchid species due to poaching and loss of habitat,” said Ooi.
“Luckily, orchids are resilient plants and many species are relatively easy to propagate and reintroduced into their natural habitats.
“This is heartening and we hope that through conservation efforts, Malaysian orchids will continue to flourish for generations to come,” he added.
The rare Moth Orchid can only be found in Kedah and Terengganu.
Jamnah urged the public to call during office hours if they come across anyone stealing or damaging plants within the gardens.
“They can also approach the security guard at the gardens at any time and he will know what to do.”
Although the Orchid House is not open to the public yet, Wan Norilani said private visits could be arranged.
In January last year, a thief stole a rare plant treasured for its extra large leaves with glistening coppery undersides and thick ribs of contrasting green hues on top.
The gardens has received Unesco recognition as Malaysia’s third Biosphere Reserve.
The Alocasia cuprea, also known as Mirror Plant, is native to Borneo.
Penang Botanic Gardens, spread over 29ha, is a repository of rare plant species.
The original gardens was founded in 1884 on the grounds of a former quarry.
It was overseen by Charles Curtis, the first superintendent.
Forming a constituent of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, the gardens has gained acknowledgment from Unesco as Malaysia’s third Biosphere Reserve, securing a place in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
For details, call 04-226 4401 or go to botanicalgardens.penang.gov.my
