GRAMMATOPHYLLUM SPECIOSUM
This impressive species is the world’s largest growing orchid plant. A fully mature plant can weigh over a ton. It forms clumps that resemble the sugar cane plant with its individual fleshy stems growing to a height of 3 metres. When flowering, it produces inflorescences that can be longer than 2 metres bearing over 30 flowers. The showy flowers are uniquely coloured and patterned like that of a tiger’s coat, hence its common name, Tiger Orchid.
The Tiger Orchid is one of the first native orchid species reintroduced under the Orchid Conservation Programme. Once extinct due to loss of habitat, the species is now enjoying a new lease of life. It has been successfully propagated and planted in various parts of Singapore, including Orchard Road and Pulau Ubin.

CYMBIDIUM FINLAYSONIANUM
This species produces pendulous inflorescences of delicate flowers that are of an unusual olive colour complemented by an intense purple lip with a yellow tinge. Its narrow leaves are thick and leathery, growing up to 75cm in length and 4cm in width. This epiphytic plant is highly adaptive. It obtains its nutrients from decaying leaf litter shed by its host tree, allowing it to thrive even in a low nutrient environment.
This plant is another example of a native orchid species that has been successfully reintroduced into our urban landscape through the Orchid Conservation Programme. They can be commonly seen growing on some trees by the roadside, and when in bloom, the delicate flowers are a pleasant surprise for the passer-by.