Orchids Of Angkor Wat (吴哥窟兰花展) Floral Display

From the wily ways of slipper orchids to the unpredictable appearance of Vandachostylis offspring, the unusual orchids of the country are showcased against a backdrop inspired by the Khmer Empire

Slippers may be innocuous footwear in most contexts, but in the world of plants, the slipper orchid is anything but simple. This unusual-looking flower with the pouch-like sepal that resembles a lady’s slipper (hence its common name), practises what scientists intriguingly call “pollination by deceit”.

Orchids of Angkor Wat

An insect is drawn by the vibrant colours of the orchid to land on its surface, which is slippery enough that the unsuspecting insect falls into the pouch. As it scurries its way out, it carries pollen grains on its body. For its tumble, the insect gets nothing in return, not even food – unusual for flowering plants.

Orchids of Angkor Wat Cambodia

Slipper orchids are among the 50 fascinating orchid species and hybrids of Cambodia showcased at Orchids of Angkor Wat, Cloud Forest’s newest orchid display, and an inaugural collaboration with the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Singapore. The display was launched today by Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development, Eric Chua, and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Singapore, His Excellency Sok Khoeun.

Orchids of Angkor Wat Cloud Forest

Other unusual orchid species include the unpredictable Vandachostylis, an orchid bearing endless surprises for breeders as all its progeny can look quite different depending on which of its genus parent is more dominant, and Dendrobium Adastra whose profuse, drooping blooms resemble a stunning “waterfall of flowers” – a phenomenon almost impossible to achieve in Singapore’s weather.

Orchids of Angkor Wat 2024

The orchids showcased at Orchids of Angkor Wat include species that are native to Cambodia, or hybrids that can trace their parentage back to orchids from Cambodia.

Since the ancient Khmer Empire, orchids have captured the imagination of the country through time, as well as captivated the outside world. Orchids were also revered as symbols of nobility and hallmarks of religious beliefs and have been documented in carvings throughout the ancient city of Angkor. However, despite having such a rich diversity of orchids, it is thought that only slightly more than half of the 500 species in Cambodia have ever been documented.

Orchids of Angkor Wat Floral Display

In a display that focuses on the country’s natural history, culture and ethnobotany, the Khmer Empire and the ancient city of Angkor serve as the backdrop. Taking centrestage is a 3.5m tall recreation of Angkor Wat, the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and an icon of the Khmer Empire. The facade that visitors see in the display is meant to replicate the same view in Cambodia as they make their way towards the sprawling temple complex.

Flanking the temple are palm trees – Cambodia’s national tree – as well as a wide array of orchids in a myriad of colours. Visitors are also able to experience a glimpse of the gateway to Angkor Thom, with devas (gods) paving the walkway.

Orchids of Angkor Wat Gardens by the Bay

Also on display are five stone replicas of scenes that are present in significant architecture around Angkor, including the walls of Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple. These include scenes that depict the daily lives and the divinities of Cambodia during the Khmer Empire, to name some examples. The replicas are on loan to Gardens by the Bay from the Cambodia-based Artisans Angkor, a workshop that dedicates itself to preserving authentic craftsmanship from Cambodian artisans.

📅 17 May to 8 Sep 2024
⏱ 9am to 9pm
📍 Orchid Haven in Cloud Forest
🏷 Admission charge applies

You can get tickets online at Klook.

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