Vanda sanderiana

Vanda sanderiana is endemic to Mindanao Island of the Philippines, where it is particularly found in North and South Cotobato, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur. It grows as an epiphyte attached to dipterocarp forest trees at elevations of 500 meters.

It was noted by Jim Cootes (1991) in his book that “The orchid world is fortunate for the dedication of growers in Hawaii and Thailand who have done wonderful work in propagating both the albino and normal-colored forms of this glorious species. Vastly superior forms are now readily available to any orchid grower who can provide the cool minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius that his species require.” The plant is also being mass produced in orchid nurseries and laboratories in Mindanao since the plant is threatened and needs to be conserved. The plant is in the endangered list.

Because of its beauty, Vanda sanderiana, is described as the “Queen of Philippine Orchids” and was adopted by the Philippine Orchid Society as its logo. The species blooms in the Philippines from July to October, usually after experiencing 3 or more weeks of continuous heavy downpour during the country’s monsoon rain period. With this characteristic, the Philippine Orchid Society celebrates its yearly midyear orchid show every August to coincide with the blooming of this majestic orchid.

This species has 3 varieties, namely:

1. Vanda sanderiana var. albata Reichb. f. in Gard. Chron. ser. 3.2 (1887) 9. Esmeralda Sanderiana var. albata Will.

This plant was described by Prof. Heinrich G. Reichenbach in the Gardeners’ Chronicle in 1887. The growth habit and flower size are just a little smaller than those of the species. The lateral sepals are yellowish-green with white margins, while the dorsal sepal and petals are white with purple spots at base. The labellum or lip has purple dots.

The plant was reported from Davao del Sur and South Cotobato on Mindanao Island where it grows as an epiphyte at elevations to 500 meters. This variety is extremely rare in its natural habitat.

2. Vanda sanderiana var. froebeliana cogn. in Dict. Icon. des. Orch.Vanda t. 12 a (1903).

The plant has bright rose flower stalks; and has very large flowers compared to the species. The lateral sepals are bright yellow, with rose coloration towards the margins, and densely covered with large purple reticulated veins. The dorsal sepal and petals are rose pink color on the upper half, while lower half with brownish-purple spots.

3. Vanda sanderiana var. labello-viridi Linden & Rodigas in Lindenia 1:85, t (1885) 40.
Esmeralda sanderiana var. labello-viridi Will.

The plant is similar to the species except the lip or labellum is green with crimpson stripes.

REFERENCES:

Cootes, Jim. 2001. The Orchids of the Philippines. Singapore: Times Edition. ISBN 981 232 100 4 .

Fessel H.H. and Peter Belzer. 1999. A Selection of Native Philippine Orchids. Times Editions. Singapore.

Golamco, Andres S. 1991. Philippines’ Book on Orchids. Jemma Inc. Publishing Group, Cainta, Rizal, Philippines.

Valmayor, Helen L. 1984. Orchidiana Philippiniana. Eugenio Lopez Foundation, Inc. Manila, Philippines.

Valmayor, Helen L. (Ed.) 1981. The Complete Writings of Dr. Eduardo A. Quisumbing on Philippine Orchids. Eugenio Lopez Foundation, Inc. Manila, Philippines.

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Taxonomic Characteristic of this species:

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Vandaeae
Subtribe: Sarcanthinae
Alliance: Vanda
Genus: Vanda (Euanthe Jones ex R.Br., 1820)
Species: V. sanderiana (E. sanderiana)
(c) norby_b@rocketmail.com
January 25, 2008
Manila, Philippines