Rouchussen’s Coelogyne

Coelogyne rochussenii orchids are back in Penang Butterfly Farm!

Rouchussen’s Coelogyne is one of their common names.Some local communities called them the Indian Lady Orchid because these orchids are often used as hair ornament in the Indian Culture. What’s interesting it that, in the farm, we noticed them blooming when its very near Indian Festival. The last time they bloomed, it was near Thaipusam celebration, January this year. Then they started blooming few days ago, on the month of Deepavali! Isn’t that such a coincident? Or is it really a coincident? Hmm.. let’s see if this repeats next year.

Anyway, the orchid’s scientific name was after J.J Rochussen, governor-general of the Dutch East Indies in the mid 19th century. This species is commonly found in South East Asia Region including Malaya, Borneo, Java and Sumatra and the Philippines. In the wild they may be found growing on large trees in the lowland forest. My favourite thing about them is their sweet citrus-ish scent. The butterflies love them too! Do come by Penang Butterfly Farm to see (or smell) them before they wither.

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