Vanda x hybrida
A stamp issued by Taiwan in 2007 in a series of four stamps
I quote from the official website’
Adapting to Taiwan’s extremely varied topography and to its humid tropical and subtropical climate, the family Orchidaceae has evolved a diverse array of species, more numerous than those of any other flora family in Taiwan. Because orchids are elegant, fragrant and tough (able to withstand adverse environmental and climatic conditions), they are often compared to people with noble and incorruptible character. To introduce the beauty of Taiwan orchids, Chunghwa Post has planned a new series of definitive stamps: “Orchids of Taiwan.” The first set will feature four stamps, each showcasing one of the following four species: Phaius tankervilleae, Spiranthes sinensis, Vanda × hybrida and Cattleya sp.”
The following is the information give about Vanda x hybrida
“ Vanda × hybrida (NT$12.00): An epiphytic orchid with a monopodial growth habit. This orchid prefers a warm, sunny and humid environment. The name of the genus -“vanda”- means “a flowering plant that grows on other trees” in Sanskrit. The plant relies on its well-developed aerial roots to take water and nutrients from the air. It has thick erect stems and stiff fleshy leaves. It is drought tolerant and can handle a lot of light.”
Vanda orchids are mentioned in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN but only of where Thunbergia grandiflora-----best flowers hang in long, endlessly-elongating racemes ---remind the author –of those of the Vanda orchids
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 76 April 2014 in
FAVOURITE CLIMBERS IN OUR GARDEN ON THE COSTA BLANCA
By Carol Hawes