by Emellia Tamoh
KUCHING, July 24: The 13th Asia Pacific Orchid Conference (APOC13) held for the first time in Kuching is a living showcase of local and exotic orchids that has attracted many orchid enthusiasts.
The grand highlight of the conference is the Orchid Landscape Display and Competition which features displays from more than 14 countries competing to be crowned best orchid landscape.
Participating countries include Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, China, Korea, New Caledonia and Ecuador.
The judging of all orchid competitions was held yesterday, and Damrong Orchids from Thailand emerged as champion in the best Orchid Landscape Competition.
“When it comes to a competition like this, the best orchids are evaluated based on criteria like the shape and colour of the flowers, how the flowers are being presented and the conditions of the flowers itself,” said Helen McDonald, one of the judges for the orchid plant competition.
“It is of utmost importance that the flower bears no damage at all,” she added.
Orchids are tough to take care of as they need extra care and are easily damaged due to heat, said well-known artist and orchid lover, Ramsay Ong.
“As you can see, the orchids here are very fresh because the area is very well ventilated with cool air conditioning,” he added.
Meanwhile, orchid aficionado Colin Thorburn said that he loves the way the orchids are being displayed here.
“I’ve been to many orchid displays and showcases before. Here, it is very unique because it really brings out the natural setting of the orchids as it is in the wild,” he said.
APOC13 themed “Cultural Exchange Through Orchid,” features many activities throughout the five-day event which started on July 24, including a conference, orchid competitions, exhibitions, a food bazaar, APOC quiz, an orchid walk and many more.
There is also an array of booths available where the public may purchase live orchids and seedlings. — DayakDaily
