Plants/ Contents

Orchids

Chris K. H. Teo

Orchids belong to the largest family of flowering plants in the plant kingdom, the Orchidaceae. Worldwide, there are about 25,000 species of orchids represented in 600 genera. Of these, some 850 species covering 120 genera are found in Peninsular Malaysia. In addition, Sabah and Sarawak are home to 2,500 species. Over-collecting and habitat destruction have endangered the continued existence of some orchid species. To protect these natural treasures, conservation centres have been set up across the country.

  • Information in the full article includes
  • Jewels of the forest
  • Growth habits
  • Orchid conservation
Grammatophyllum speciosum

In Malaysia, the orchid species with the biggest plants is Grammatophyllum speciosum.