Orchid display celebrates Peru at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is hosting a spectacular orchid display, immersing visitors in the vibrant flora of Peru. This annual event showcases a stunning array of orchids, with the central installation designed to evoke the beauty of Lake Titicaca, the largest freshwater lake in South America.
The exhibition, held in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, features not only a variety of orchids but also rare and exotic plants from Peru’s diverse ecosystems. A highlight of the display is the world’s largest bromeliad, Puya raimondii, often referred to as the queen of the Andes. This endangered species, classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), stands alongside intricate floral sculptures, captivating the attention of visitors.
Among the many Peruvian plants on display are the striking Passiflora venusta, a newly discovered species that was once misidentified in the 1920s, and Browningia hertlingiana, a towering cactus from the dry Andean valleys. This blue cereus cactus can grow up to 8 metres tall and boasts sharp spines that make it a striking feature of the exhibition.
The orchid display also includes the Costus vargasii, commonly known as spiral ginger. With its vivid red flowers and glossy green leaves, this plant is a true showstopper, reaching up to 2 metres in height. Additionally, Gorgonidium intermedium, a member of the aroid family, produces a maroon spadix, adding to the array of vibrant colours on display.
Other notable species include the Sanchezia stenomacra, also known as blood red feather, which thrives in the humid jungles of Peru, and the Pamianthe peruviana, a giant Peruvian daffodil. This remarkable flower, which grows on trees like orchids, is believed to be extinct in the wild but is preserved in collections such as Kew Gardens.
This orchid-themed celebration not only showcases the dazzling biodiversity of Peru but also highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these extraordinary species.
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