Although Hawaii has an ideal climate for orchids, the orchids you usually see are not native but were imported from distant regions.
Although Hawaii has an ideal climate for orchids, the orchids you usually see are not native but were imported from distant regions.
Early in the 20th century, John Moir of Honolulu and later his son, Goodale, built one of the earliest orchid collections in the state and became prolific hybridizers. The Moir collection passed to Herbert Shipman on Hawaii Island just before the outbreak of World War II.
After the war, the Hawaii orchid industry led the world in hybridizing, especially vandas. Jet aircraft allowed fast, affordable shipping. Today, there are more than 40 certified orchid nurseries and two orchid laboratories on the island.
Horticulture is an important segment of the local economy with orchid exports accounting for more than $20 million a year. Collectors always have been drawn to new flowers, forms and colors. Growers must anticipate what consumers will want years in advance. Newly discovered species or bold new hybrids fill the bill.
The theme of the 2015 Hilo Orchid Society Show is “Orchids Avant-Garde” to emphasize the never-ending quest for the newest must-have orchid. The 63rd annual Hilo orchid show from Aug. 7-9 is moving to Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
For more details, visit www.hiloorchidsociety.org.