Grammatophyllum speciosum (tiger orchid)
Tiger orchid, or "Queen of Orchids" — the largest orchid in the world. A single specimen can weigh hundreds of kilograms; flowers rarely but with large sprays of spotted blooms.
Origin and family
Grammatophyllum speciosum (tiger orchid) is a species in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), subfamily Epidendroideae. Native to Southeast Asia: from Myanmar and Thailand to Indonesia, the Philippines and New Guinea. In the wild it grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks in tropical forests, forming massive "nests" of pseudobulbs and leaves.
The largest orchid in the world
The tiger orchid is called "Queen of Orchids" and giant orchid: one mature plant can weigh hundreds of kilograms. Long fleshy pseudobulbs and strap-shaped leaves form a huge rosette; in cultivation the plant is often grown in large containers or on substantial supports.
Flowering and "tiger" pattern
Grammatophyllum flowers rarely but very showily — with large pendent racemes. Flowers are yellow-green with a characteristic red-brown spotted pattern, hence the name "tiger orchid". Size and shape are typical of the genus — waxy, long-lasting.
In the botanical garden
In collections the tiger orchid is valued for its monumentality and rare, memorable flowering. It needs warmth, high humidity and bright filtered light; in near-natural conditions it can live for decades and become one of the main attractions of the greenhouse.
Quick Answer
Grammatophyllum speciosum is the tiger orchid from Southeast Asia; the largest orchid in the world, a single plant can weigh hundreds of kilograms, flowers rarely with large sprays of spotted blooms.