The symbol of Singapore is a special orchid hybrid: the Vanda Miss Joaquim. In 1981, this flower was officially chosen as the national symbol because of its beauty, resilience and unique origins. In the 19th century, Armenian-Singaporean Agnes Joaquim cultivated the Vanda Miss Joaquim. The orchid is said to fit Singapore's multicultural and progressive identity.
Other orchids as national symbols
Besides Singapore, there are other countries that have the orchid as their national symbol. For example, Colombia has the Cattleya trianae, an endemic orchid, as a symbol of the country's biodiversity. Venezuela has the Cattleya mossiae "Flor de Mayo" as its national symbol. The orchid usually blooms in May, from which it got its name. In Belize, the Prosthechea cochleata is the national flower. The flowers look something like a squid. Another name for the orchid is clamshell orchid or cockleshell orchid.
