The VANDA MISS JOAQUIM:Singapore's National Flower

Unlike most countries whose national flowers are found on other countries too, Singapore has the distinction of being the only nation to have a hybrid as its national flower and can only be found in Singapore.

Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim was first discovered in the garden of Miss Agnes Joaquim in 1893 and registered in the same year. The garden at No. 2 Narcis Street off Tanjong Pagar is now the present site of Blk 7, Tanjong Pagar Plaza . A commemorative Vanda Miss Joaquim Pavilion was recently constructed in front of the block.

The orchid is a hybrid and was named after its breeder. The orchid bears an exquisitely beautiful (purple) color and shape. It blooms throughout the year. Its unique features won it the status of the official national flower of Singapore, over forty contenders, in 1981. Vanda Miss Joaquim is commonly planted in Singapore.


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Southeast Asia’s National Flowers

--ASEAN Sec, Pisanu