HAWAII'S EXTRAORDINARY ORCHIDS EXUDE TROPICAL BEAUTY

Orchids are the most elegant tribute to the image of Hawaii as paradise. Today, these blossoms abound in the climatically congenial Aloha State, the new home for hundreds of varieties from around the globe, including: Dendrobiums from all over tropical Asia, the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand. Oncidium and Cattleya from Central and South America Phaleanopsis from tropical Asia, Australia and Africa Cymbidium from the Himalayas, China, Japan and the Philippines Vanda from all over tropical Asia and the Philippines Cultivation of orchids in Hawaii began in the late 19th century when the first shipment of phaleanopsis and dendrobiums were imported from the Philippines. Since then, commercial orchid cultivation in Hawaii has grown to a $14 million industry. About 5.4 million stems, 1.8 million posts and nearly 45 million lei blossoms are grown annually on Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii. Orchid growers anticipate a production increase of 25% to 35% per year for the next three years. Dendrobiums are one of the largest genera of orchids, with 900 species worldwide. They comprise 57% of all Hawaii-grown orchid sales, and potted varieties contribute over half of the state's dendrobium trade. Cut and potted dendrobiums are produced by 65 members of the Big Island Dendrobium Growers Association (BIDGA), 48 of the Dendrobium Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii (DOGAH) and 14 of the West Hawaii Orchid Growers Association (WHOGA). All three groups are member organizations of the Hawaii Tropical Flower Council (HTFC). Although hundreds of dendrobium varieties are grown in Hawaii, most commercial crops are hybrid cultivars produced by the University of Hawaii for the state's floral industry. "Hawaii orchid growers benefit from the university's world-renowned orchid breeding and research program," says BIDGA president Greg Braun. "This, along with access to the world's private breeders, allows Hawaii growers to satisfy a broad spectrum of floral customers." Carol Smith, AIFD, of Bolivar, MO, values Hawaii dendrobiums for their movement. "Although they look delicate, they have sturdy, yet flexible stems that don't have to be wired," she says. "This allows them to maintain their natural arc and motion." "Hawaii-grown dendrobium sprays are highly desired orchids for bridal work," says DOGAH president James Kam. "Hawaii dendrobiums are a great value because they produce relatively large flowers the full length of the spray. And their vase life is superior. For more information about Hawaii-grown orchids, contact: Big Island Dendrobium Growers Association - (808) 965-9570 Dendrobium Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii - (808) 259-5445 West Hawaii Orchid Growers Association - (808) 329-8455

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