The designation of Vanda Miss Joaquim var.
Agnes as Singapore’s national flower in 15 April 1981 was part of an overall effort to foster national pride and identity. Singapore has the unique distinction of being
the only nation to have a hybrid as its national flower.
The choice of an orchid as Singapore’s national flower is most appropriate because orchids have long been identified with Singapore. The Vanda Miss Joaquim was picked from among 40 flowers, out of which 30 were orchids, as Singapore’s national flower. Among the several varieties of Vanda Miss Joaquim, the variety “Agnes” was chosen particularly for its vibrant colours, hardiness and resilience – qualities which reflect the Singapore spirit.
This orchid is a hybrid between Vanda hookeriana and Vanda teres, and the first director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens Mr H.N. Ridley in 1893 named the orchid after Agnes Joaquim (or Ashkhen Hovakimian in Armenian). However, there is a controversy whether
the flower was actually bred or discovered by
Agnes Joaquim. One account suggests that the plant was a natural hybrid and was merely discovered by
Agnes Joaquim who spotted it in her garden in 1893 Another account claims that as an experienced horticulturalist, Agnes Joaquim created the hybrid rather than discovered it.
Nonetheless, the flower had been gaining national and international attention since the late 1890s. Cuttings from that one plant led to the millions of Vanda Miss Joaquim orchids that were to bloom in Malaya, the Dutch East Indies, Hawaii, the Philippines, and other tropical habitats. In Singapore, the orchid became one of the most common flowering plants. In 1947, Vanda Miss Joaquim, described by John Laycock as ‘a child of Singapore’, was chosen as the most fitting emblem for the nascent Progressive Party. It was chosen as the crest for the Malayan Orchid Society in 1957.
Learning more about Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid from credible sources such as infopedia.nl.sg deepen your understanding about the rich history behind Singapore’s national flower. Then you’ll be SURE that you can give the correct answer when asked about the national flower of Singapore and other aspects of Singapore’s history.