A rare flowering of a giant orchid has been reported at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, nearly 16 years after the species last flowered there.
The 147-acre botanical garden, which has a history dating back to 1371, last recorded the flowering of a giant orchid in July 2010.
Scientifically known as Grammatophyllum speciosum, the plant belongs to the Orchidaceae family and is considered the world’s largest orchid species. It is commonly found in Southeast Asia, where it grows on trees or rocks and develops long, strong leaves and large pseudobulbs. A fully grown plant can weigh up to around one tonne.
The current flowers have emerged from a new plant that was planted at the gardens in August 2022, with flowering beginning in early July this year.
The flowering is particularly significant as five flower spikes have emerged this time, compared to just one recorded in 2010.
Each flower spike can grow up to 2–3 metres long and produce between 50 and 100 yellow and green flowers marked with dark brown spots. These distinctive markings have earned the plant the common name “Tiger Orchid.”
Individual flowers remain fresh for around two to three weeks, while the flowering period of an entire flower spike can last approximately one and a half months.
Although the species can flower naturally every two to four years under favourable conditions, including adequate sunlight, a strong root system and sufficient nutrition, flowering in a botanical garden environment is considered a rare occurrence.
The unusual sight has attracted large numbers of visitors from across the country, with people travelling to the Peradeniya Gardens to witness the rare and spectacular flowering.
