MALVAROSA FARM -2009

Trip to Malvarosa Farm

When you think of Cattleyas, the first think that will come into your mind is Orchids !!!! and Malvarosa Orchids and Ornamental Farmis one of the local farms which supplies the local market.

Philippine Orchid Society organized field trip

Dr. Hernando Perez started growing orchids as a hobby in the late 1960’s. The orchids were mostly given to him by his clients and friends . He started to acquire his specimen orchids in 1973.

He began his operation as a backyard hobby. He and his partner decided to go into full operation in 1989. Hence ” Malvarosa ” orchids was born. The name was derived from Malvar – the town’s name were the orchid farm is located and Rosario stand for the name of his wife.

cattleyas

The company initially focused on their production on Cattleyas , they continued to expand their production to other orchid genera such as Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, Phalaenopsis , Doritis , Vandas and other native Philippine orchid species.

The company is is producing ornamental plant varieties. In 1990 , the company started their maiden operation. The company initially to sell their orchids via catalogs and word of mouth .

The farm was hit by a super Bagyong Rosing ( Typhoon Angela ) in 1995 , The typhoon destroyed most of the greenhouses which were built on wooden bases. The damaged caused their orchid stocks got diseases, thus the company stopped temporarily their operation. Slowly after the rehabilitation of their greenhouses ( now built of steel frames and concrete).

The farm started to re-acquire new stocks and started mass propagation of new orchid hybrid cultivars.

a pair of peacock roaming the property

The company is proud to have named over 100 Cattleya hybrids,2 dozen Phalaenopsis croses, a dozen Dendrobium and 2 Vanda hybrids crosses registered with the Royal Horticultural Society of England.

Cattleya hybrids have been awarded ” Best Philippine Hybrids ” included BLC. Corazon Aquino , BLC. Malvarosa Sunrise, BLC. Malvarosa Sunset, BLC. Malvarosa Princess, LC. Annette Castroamong others.

BLC. Corazon Aquino ( yellow form)

The company had consistently won awards in the orchid shows and exhibit of the Philippine Orchid Society , Philippine Horticultural Society, Los Banos Orchid Society , Philippine International Flora and Fauna Garden Exposition among others.

Best Orchid landscape exhibit – Batangas Road Show of the Philippine Orchid Society held May 10 to 18, 2008 at SM Batangas City -Barangay Pallocan

A visit to their farm would show all the trophies , medals, ribbons that the company received during its 20 year operation. The farm had some peacocks, native chickens, native deers which roamed the property.

The farm can be visited via appointment:

For further inquiries :

Ms. Beth Quidagen (+632)409-6731 / (+632)638-2355

Telefax (+632)636-0504

Original post oct 11 2009

ORCHIDS IN PHILIPPINE LANDSCAPE 2009

Orchids in Philippine Landscape 

(*NOTE to add more pictures once we retrieve them)

In the city’s high-rise condominiums, posh residential villages or in the remote

barangays all over the country, orchids can add lovely colors , amazing beauty that dazzle one’s creative imagination and various artistic landscaping styles in every garden. 

The tropical climate in the Philippines in which many of the native orchids species as well as thousands of hybrids that are accustomed with, provide an opportunity for professional landscapers or just simple hobbyists with a few orchids and ornamental plants to use orchids as a landscape subjects or as a focal point in the garden. Some gardeners or hobbyists tend to cultivate orchids for good luck charm or prosperity .

People grow epiphytic orchids in fruit trees or trees in their own garden. In selecting a suitable host tree, a good host tree should have rough bark, not too dense canopy. The orchid roots will attach to the host, so the trees with smooth bark, or barks that can easily peels off the trees regularly will not be a good host . Trees with heavy canopy that tends to block the sunlight is not that suitable in growing orchids, If the lawn grass will not grow under the peculiar tree, the lighting conditions in the area might not

be right to grow orchids. 

There are a lot of ideal host trees, which makes an ideal host for epiphytes like orchids, hoyas, dischidias,ferns among others. One of the ideal host trees which is fondly called Kakawate tree ( Gliricidia sepium ) This shade tree was introduced  in the late 16th century from Mexico , where it is grown as a favorite shade tree in cocoa plantations hence the name “ Madre de cacao” in local vernacular in Tagalog .

Dendrobium hybrid

This tree is planted as a border plant in various places throughout the country, this plant is also used in livestock feeding . Mature trees are usually cut off and then made into driftwood with either steel or cement support at its base. Another is the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) which is extensively grown all over the country as crop or landscaped focal point of the garden .

Bunga China ( Veitchia merrillii ) the solitary and slender palm may grow up to 6 meter tall and found commonly cultivated throughout the country , Choose the palms with clear trunk below the foliage and rough texture on the trunk it is where you can tie or secure an orchid to grow. 

Other common fruit trees, which are also ideal host trees are Jackfruit ( Artocarpus heterophyllus ), Santol ( Sandoricum koetjape ) However make sure that before the onset of the rainy season try to prune the trees so that it is not too shady for orchids .


Mango (Mangifera indica) this tree is ideal to grow Aerides quinquevulnera , Dendrobium anosmum , However do not attempt in putting any Phalaenopsis orchids in the tree since this tree harbor some insects like June beetle grubs (salagubang beetles ) which may attack the leaves of the Palaenopsis . 

Caimito tree (Chrysophyllum cainito), other common trees that are also suitable for planting orchids . Our very own narra or angsana tree ( Prerocarpus indicus ). In large estate or garden clubs, Huge acacia or rain tree ( Samanea saman ) serves as an ideal host tree. 

 There are several reasons“ why” this tree is an ideal host for epiphytes.
The wide spreading branches provide convenient places for the orchids and ferns to thrive,
while its scaly bark helps to trap dust and nutrients, the bark of this tree can also retain moisture . The folding of its leaves during the evening , or before a thunderstorms allows for dew and rains toreach the inner areas of the crown where these epiphytes can be found.

This tree was introduced from South America in the 1840’s and is planted in many parts

of the country including the official residence of the first family in Malacañang Palace .

Epiphytes can be seen in the several centuries –old rain trees that are found within

the presidential compound . These plants adds mystery and charm to the landscape

gardens of the palace. These are just a few examples. 

 You can examine at the trees and palms which are growing in your garden .Once you have selected your ideal host tree, check the actual position of the tree and the amount of light falling on the trunk or branches on several times of the day . On the exposed palm trunk or tree branch

receiving full sun much of the day , the best orchids to establish are Vanda teres, semi-teres Vandas. Another favorite flowering shrub which was also introduced from Central America which is also an ideal host tree is Kalachuchi or Frangipani , This tree is not only known for its flowers but also an ideal host for orchids like Cattleyas .

If you are planning to plant several orchids in the garden, always remember that orchid species and hybrids had different blooming seasons and patterns. You can also add other epiphytic plants like ferns, hoyas, dischidias to accompany the orchids . This can make your garden a more tropical appeal. If you had already chosen a tree , choose a location that is above adult eye level or in a spot where you can easily spot and enjoy the flowers . Attached the orchid to the trunk with plastic coated wire or plastic garden straw , making it sure that the orchid is properly secure and does not wobble in order to hold the plant temporarily while its roots are taking hold of the host tree . 

Once the orchid is established (This can take from six months to more than one year) then that is the time you can remove the wires. Be sure not to choke the tree trunk or branches as the tree will need some space to grow.

You can try to mist the orchids regularly, and you can fertilize the orchids once you can

see the roots grasp the host tree . Once fully established you can add slow release

fertilizers , and the orchid might need regular watering during the dry season . It is also

wise to grow these orchids into a large specimen type, since it can be dramatic when

these plants comes into blooms .

Terrestrial orchids can also be successfully cultivated in many gardens all over the country . Arundina bambusaefolia which is a plant with a cylindrical stem three to five feet in height , which resemble a small bamboos and has a number of narrow grass like leaves,short and few flowered . Plants of this species should be grown in a compost of rich humus loam with adequate drainage . Its Cattleya- like flowers blooms almost the entire year however the flower lasts only for two or three days. Other popular terrestrial orchids are Spathoglottis plicata which is grown either in pots or in beds all over the country . 

 Growing these wonderful orchids can add beauty and grace to one’s garden be it a small windowsill , an apartment or an extensive haciendas in the province .

(Oct 23,2009)

RECIPE FOR A DELIGHTFUL ORCHID FLOWER SALAD 2009

Orchid Flower Salad

Ms. Nancy Lumen (culinary expert )- She Ka co-host

Orchid Flower Salad By: Mr. Lawrence Chan

Ingredients:

¼ kilo fresh lettuce

2 pcs. medium size carrots grated

chopped celery

3 pcs. medium size shallot onion (sibuyas tagalog ) finely chopped

¼ kilo bacon bits / 1 piece chicken breast

24 pcs. medium size Dendrobium hybrids (Organically grown, not chemically sprayed and pollinia must be removed). ( The orchid flower may be blanch for several seconds- optional )

Definition: This term means to plunge vegetable into boiling water for a few seconds or a few minutes, then remove and place in ice water. This process sets the color of vegetables, lets you easily peel fruits, and slip the skins off nuts. The food does not cook all the way through, so crisp texture is preserved.

12 pcs. small tomato chopped

½ cup squeeze lemon juice

2 cups mayonnaise

2-4 tablespoon sugar

Pinch of iodized salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese for toppings (optional)

author with Ms. Nancy Lumen during the 

February 14, 2008 episode ” She Ka” NBN channel 4

Preparations:

1.) Mix 2-4 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 2 cups of mayonnaise in a bowl and mix well ( This would be your salad dressing)

2.) In a separate bowl add fresh lettuce , chopped celery , chopped tomato , chopped shallot onion, grated carrots , bacon bits, orchid flower and add the salad dressings

3.) Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and toss the salad

4.) Sprinkle parmesan cheese as the final topping and add garnish for final presentation.

5.) Serve and enjoy the orchid flower salad!

” Ang Barangay ” community newspaper of

Lakandula High School, Tondo -Manila taken last July 5, 2009

with Ms. Alexandra Balingit editor- in-chief and staff .

Note* This recipe is common in some countries like Thailand , Southern China and Hawaii were Dendrobium orchid plantations are very common sight .

In the Philippines, few exclusive organic and exotic restaurant may offer this dish.

(oct26,2009)

TAENIOPHYLLUM – ONE OF THE SMALLEST ORCHID IN THE WORLD 2009

picture taken in Quezon province:

Taeniophyllum sp. Blume

Common Names: Pin head orchid, minute orchid, leafless orchid , tapeworm orchid

INTRODUCTION: A genus of leafless orchids. Around one hundred eighty to two hundred species in this genus are distributed from India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia , Southeast Asia the Philippines to New Guinea, Australia, some Pacific Islands as far as Tahiti. New Guinea is considered to be the centre of distribution with some eighty species alone, some of which may prove to be con specific.

GENUS NAME: The genus name is taken from the Greek tainia(band, fillet, ribbon) and phyllon (leaf) in a reference not clearly understood as these orchids are leafless.

Its scientific name means, rather unattractively, ‘tapeworm leaf’. Its roots have not only developed into flat, tapeworm-like shapes several yards long that writhe statically all over the branch on which the plant sits.

Type Species : Taeniophyllum glandulosum Blume

CHARACTERISTICS : The species in the genus are small to very small leafless epiphytes with flattened green roots which contain chlorophyll and have taken over the photosynthetic role of the leaves. The leaves are reduced to minute, overlapping scales covering the stem apex. The flowers of the species are very short-lived, they are mostly greenish-white to yellow.

Taeniophyllums have small brown scales instead of leaves and the process of photosynthesis is carried out in the green roots. Most members of this genus grow upon the twigs of rain forest trees and in cultivation.

NUMBER OF SECTIONS IN THE GENUS: The genus is divided into two sub-genera and six sections along their difference in united or free sepals and petals.

HABITAT: Not easily detected in their natural habitat the species grow on tree trunks either near the forest floor or among the dense foliage of the smaller twigs. They are found from sea level to about 1000 m.

In the Philippines , some species could be seen growing on mango trees and small trees. This orchid prefers to be undisturbed and could not survive on long dry conditions.

(OCT 31,2009)

PRESIDENT CORAZON AQUINO TRIBUTE 2009

President Corazon Aquino tribute exhibit booth landscaped by Mr. Kelvin Manubay, Mr. Jun Golamco, Mr. Rommel Arriola, Mr. Lawrence Chan with the help of Mr. Edilberto Capague Jr. and Mr. Jiffy Alegre during the 63rd Mid-Year Orchid & Garden Show last August 27 to September 7 , 2009 at Quezon Cityhall grounds

Maria Corazon “Cory” Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino (January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009) was the President of the Philippines and is considered as “Mother of Democracy” in the Philippines. Serving from 1986 to 1992, she was the first female president of the Philippines and the first female president of any country in Asia.

Unknown to many, she is a nature and an orchid lover. In 1989, in response to government’s encouragement to develop the ornamental, floriculture and horticulture industry, many members of the Orchid Society of Davao, Inc. (OSDI) shifted to orchid growing as a business venture. This was fully endorsed by then President Corazon C. Aquino when she declared Davao City as the Orchid Center of the Philippines in 1992 through Proclamation No. 886.

During the incumbency of President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, several orchid genus and ornamental plant cultivars were named after her. Dr. Romeo Gutierrez a well-known plant breeder, a three term president of Philippine Horticultural Society, antique collector , art collector and also a painter bred Aglaonema Cory, a cultivar of the aglaonema that was named after former President Corazon Aquino. Its broad, dark green leaves consist of a herringbone pattern of grayish-silver,with yellow marks along the midrib. Like the sunburst, the yellow coloration of the young leaves becomes conspicuous through proper light conditions. It has white petioles and many suckers.

Aglaonema Corazon Aquino bred by Dr. Romeo Gutierrez

This Aglaonema won the ” Best Ornamental Plant in Show” of the Philippine Horticultural Society show held on February 10 to 17, 1990 at the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation . Coincidentally the plaque was donated by house majority floor leader Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Sumulong a relative of Mrs. Aquino maternal side.

Photo Courtesy of Singapore Botanic Gardens by: Mr. Whang Lay Keng – Head Living Collection

On the occasion of her state visit and the ASEAN head of state meeting in the island state of Singapore on August 26 , 1986 the Singapore Botanic Garden named Dendrobium Corazon Aquino(Parentage: Dendrobium Tien Soeharto x Dendrobium Noor Aishah) an orchid hybrid after the incumbent leader.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society of London this orchid was registered on January 1, 1986 in their list. SGB institute had the tradition of breeding and naming new orchid cultivars after famous world leaders, politicians, and celebrities.

On numerous occasions she would be invited to come, as guest of honor during various orchid & garden shows held by different garden clubs from all over the country. She was one of the guest of honor on the 46th annual orchid and garden show of the Philippine Orchid Society held at the Makati SM Car Park compound in February 1992.

Several years later, Atty. Hernando Perez, one of her former cabinet secretaries, developed a new breed of orchid and named it after her. He thought it was just right to breed BLC. Benigno Aquino an inter-generic yellow colored orchid variety. The good quality traits of the orchid made it a desirable breeding parent material for developing new breeds of orchid.

The orchid hybrid took 5 years to grow, using cross-pollination methods. Its “mother and father” plants are a variety of yellow orchid named BLC. Benigno Aquino (pod parent) and the greenish BLC. Malvarosa Jade ( pollen parent).

The Blc Cory Aquino orchid (Brassolaeliocattleya Cory Aquino) with code name HC – 547 -, bred by former Justice Secretary Hernando B. Perez, is a graceful but sturdy plant with yellow and green varieties.

Because of the breeding traits of BLC. Malvarosa Jade, there are 2 color forms of the BLC. Cory Aquino that can be found. One is yellow and the other is greenish yellow. All forms are highly sought after by orchid and plant collectors worldwide.

63rd Mid-Year Orchid & Garden Show poster

The color yellow is widely associated with both Sen. Ninoy and Cory Aquino, since they used this color in clothes or campaign paraphernalia. In retirement, in fact, the former president took up painting, with flowers as her chosen still life subjects. Flowers were also one of former President Aquino’s favorite painting subjects finding the task a form of relaxation and a way of relieving stress. Having stepped down from office in 1992, Tita Cory, as she is fondly remembered, was quite content at becoming an ordinary citizen once again, but remained active in social work, and in wielding her undiminished moral authority whenever the democratic institutions she helped restore came under threat.

Unlike most orchids that need to be propped up, the Blc Cory Aquino stands erect and proud, much like the ideologies of the late former president.

According to Nani Perez, “This orchid hybrid symbolizes strength of her character because it is a sturdy plant. Pirmeng naka-tindig yun eh. Pirmeng proud.” It is also feminine-looking but with a strong bearing. Its petals are light yellow which means it is long-lasting,” he added.

In the last quarter of 2004, Perez said he was able to give her a pot of his best Blc. Cory Aquino and the plant’s registry certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society, a London-based international group that registers orchid hybrids.

Atty. Perez was also featured in the “orchid episode” of “ Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho” aired last February 23, 2008 on GMA channel 7. The episode featured him as an orchid and a plant breeder since 1974 and among the orchid hybrids featured in the episode was the BLC. Cory Aquino, Blc. Ninoy Aquino among others. A portion of the episode was uploaded in the KMJS website.

In a recent television guest interview on ABS-CBN channel 2- top rated morning show “ Umagang Kay Ganda” last August 4, 2009 with Ms. Donita Rose, He was also able to present the original Royal Horticultural Society certificate of orchid registration with frame and potted flowering orchid to the late president, this gesture made her very happy.

In the Flora Filipina Expo 2006 held from February 24 to March 5,2006 jointly organized by the Philippine Orchid Society (POS) and Philippine Horticultural Society (PHS) within the ruins of San Ignacio in Intramuros. In this international event, the winning orchid ( BLC. Cory Aquino) brought attention of the orchid breeders around the world that the Philippines had orchid hybidizers like Mr. Perez which breeds award winning orchids.

In the 61st Mid-Year Orchid and Garden Show held from Aug. 29 to Sept. 10, 2007, the same orchid cultivar’s won the “Best Philippine Hybrid” award one of the highest recognition that a breeder can get. – Perez said Aquino sent him a text message congratulating him for the “prize-winning orchid.” He still keeps the text message on his phone to this day.

Breeders from Japan, Thailand , United Kingdom, USA and local orchid collectors were very eager to have a division or sample of this award winning orchid hybrid.

Cory Aquino’s big role, not only for the restoration of the democracy in the Philippines, but also for the development of the local horticulture industry, cannot be underestimated. With the whole world paying homage to the former president, this is a small gratitude that any horticulturist or plant lover from all over the world can give.

(SEPTEMBER 17, 2009)

A BOTANIC GARDEN AND FARM 2009

Portion of the resort -style farm

This is a private farm garden owned by one of Metro Manila’s famous politician . The tour group was escorted by a security group upon reaching the place.

Koi Pond

The group saw a lot of collections ranging from family pictures, paintings , antiques, potteries, furniture, santos, jars, figurines, furniture , books and the south east Asian style inspired architecture in each of the pavilion like structures which resembles Bali in Indonesia , Bangkok or even in Mainland China .

Asian inspired pavilion guarded by Chinese- Fu dogs

There is like a big botanic garden which had themed landscape from European style manicured lawn and themed portions which separates expensive palms, adeniums, ornamental plants, shrubs and flowering trees including several aviaries .

Shade house filled with blooming Dendrobium anosmum

Dendrobium anosmum locally known as( sanggumay ), Vanda hybrids, Vanda teres and native orchids

There are also several big green houses which housed the collections of cacti, succulents, orchids, bromeliads,ferns,cycads ,aroids and anthuriums.

According to one of the caretakers, this is like a wonderland of plants from different parts of the world. The collection of the exotic plants spanned over 30 years which started during the pre-martial law days .

The group was treated to a sumptuous buffet style lunch which offered the best from the area.The group were very happy to spend some time in the resort style farm . Photo opportunities and small chit chat with the gracious hosts were the done after the lunch break.

man -made lagoon planted with lotus

There are several man-made pond and lagoons within the property which serves as a planting area for lotus, water lilies and were Peking ducks swim.

colorful service vehicle

The group needed a small service vehicle in order to tour the entire property.

Before the end of the day the group was again treated for a light afternoon snacks which consists of native rice cakes, young coconut pie , nuts and soft drinks.

crucifixion tableau scene late 19th century

According to the owner , they are planning to open the property to the public for a fee in a few years to come . The place is perfect for weddings, parties, location shooting , photo opportunity, convention , meeting place or simply a place to relax and to admire the wonders of nature.

(Original post September 18 2009)

GAMMATOPHYLLUM WALLISII THE BIGGEST ORCHID IN THE WORLD 2009

This is the specimen sized Grammatophyllum wallisii or Grammatophyllum speciosum native to the Philippines and was growing on a boulder in one of the houses near the town of Dolores in Quezon . According to the owner, this orchid blooms every 3 to 5 year interval and based on the orchid size , the orchid is at least 50 years old . Several years ago an orchid collector offered to buy the orchid but the owner does not want to sell . Local taxonomist are still in a debate if this particular orchid found in Quezon is a distinct species or just a variety since the color of the flowers and marking are quite distinct .

Grammatophyllum wallisii or Grammatophyllum speciosum

The Giant Orchid, Grammatophyllum speciosum also called Tiger Orchid because of the spotting in the flowers which resembles tiger marks , Sugar Cane Orchid or ” Malatubong Dapo ” because the pseudoblubs resembles large sugar canes . People also call this particular orchid as Queen of the Orchids, since this is the world’s largest and bulkiest orchid . It is native to growing in crotches of large trees on exposed areas of the lowland tropical rain forest. This species was first described by botanist Carl Blume in 1825.

The cylindric pseudobulbs reach 10 feet or 3 meters in height with leaves along the full length.

It is an epiphytic and occasionally a lithophytic plant, forming spectacular root bundles. It can grow to gigantic clusters weighing from several hundred kilograms to more than one ton. The orchid can produce over 10,000 flowers on a mature plant.

The orchid can be found growing within 100 to 1,200 meters elevation in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Borneo, Moluccas, the Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Bismark islands, Papua New Guinea, Brunei, East Timor and Solomon island and is recorded to be the heaviest orchid in the world.

A Giant Orchid weighing two tons was one of the highlights in the 1851 exhibition at Crystal Palace in London according to a scientific journal.

There are some growers of this orchid in Metro Manila however this orchid is quite temperamental in blooming within the metropolis. This orchid needed to be conserved and protected.

(Orig post @september 18 2009)