Orchids
A Passionate Flower with Many Varieties Found Here in the Virgin Islands
No flowering plant has captured the attention of mankind, or stirred their passions, in quite the same way as orchids. They have been used in film, television and have appeared in countless advertisements and have graced numerous magazine covers. Today millions of people from all over the world remain devoted to this unique plant and its exotically beautiful "faces."
A Rich History
Orchids have long denoted wealth, love, and beauty. The ancients saw orchids as a symbol of virility, while after the rise in popularity of orchid collectors in Victorian England, the meaning of these rare, beautiful blossoms became symbolic of luxury.
Species Abound
According to Dr. Rob Griesbach, genetic researcher of floral plants for the U.S. National Arboretum and past president of the American Orchid Society, orchids are the largest group of flowering plants in nature. There are more than 25,000 identified species, with the total number probably reaching 30,000 with new species being discovered each year.
A variety of orchids can be purchased from local island garden centers, there are more than 50 different varieties of orchids that grow and bloom here in the Virgin Islands. The four most popular genus of tropical orchids are Cattleya, Dendrobiums, Orcidiums and Phalaenopsis. What makes these four popular is their frequency of bloom. They are also very showy both in number of flowers and colors.
presents it's 27th annual orchid show,
March 27-29, 2009, Holiday Inn
Windward Passage Hotel in St. Thomas.
Admission is $5.00 for adults
and $3.00 for children.
For more information,
contact Francisque Roberts at 774-1343.
