Therapeutic orchids of Asia by Singapore Memories : Vanda Miss Joaquim
Have you ever been curious as to why we have Vanda Miss Joaquim as our national flower?
Vanda Miss Joaquim var. Agnes was chosen as Singapore’s national flower on 15 April 1981 as part of an overall effort to foster national pride and identity. Vanda Miss Joaquim beat 40 flowers, out of which 30 of them were also orchids, to be christened as Singapore’s national flower.
Among the different varieties of Vanda, the variety “Agnes” was chosen, particularly for its vibrant colours, resilience and year-round blooming quality – qualities which reflect the Singapore spirit of uniqueness and our hybrid culture of different ethnicity.
Now, you would find motifs of Vanda Miss Joaquim everywhere and in places you would never expect to – from Singapore’s bank notes to stamps and Singapore souvenirs.
If you’re looking for a unique Singapore product to gift your family and friends, or even yourself to be reminded of the fun moments you have experienced in Singapore, we have just the one of you!
Singapore Memories’s Vanda 1981
This perfume in one of the many among their line of Heritage Perfumes.
As the name suggests, this fragrance is formulated with notes of Vanda orchids. Vanda is the most natural choice for perfumery notes, because of its soft, haunting and feminine fragrance. This is a mischievous yet gentle perfume, for a smart and curious lady, ready to explore the world.
Do you know that smells are linked to memories because they are stored in the same part of the brain? Which is why certain smell can evoke a particular memory; the smell of vanilla could make us reminisce about the times when our grandmothers are baking in the kitchen, for example.
Thus, every time you put on this fragrance, it will bring you back all to the fun and special moments you have in Singapore!
Other than Vanda Miss Joaquim, there are other native orchids of Singapore that we should be equally proud of! Some examples are described as per below.
Therapeutic orchid genus - Bromheadia Lindl have 17 species growing around from Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia to Australia. Its genus name honours an English botanist, Edward French Bromhead. Under this specific genus, only one of its species are being used for medicinal uses.
Bromheadia finlaysoniana (Lindl.) Miq.
Malaysian names: Seraman in Kelabit, Wi buntak, Busak paya
(Photo credit: OrchidRoots)
This plant used to be a popular garden plant in Southeast Asia, but it is now totally forgotten due to the flood of long- blooming, sun-loving orchid hybrids. Some medicinal uses include the following:
Malaccaà the decoction of the root was consumed for rheumatism relieve.
Peninsular Malaysiaà flower stalks are being chewed as its juice is used to treat asthma.
Sarawakà used to treat body aches or tired muscles.
Ibansà treat toothache using the sap.
Kelabità eat the plant either raw or cooked, simply as a vegetable for them.
Therapeutic orchid genus- Bulbophyllum Thouars comprises of over 2000, or perhaps even 2700, species. Medicinal usage have been reported for only 23 species.
Bulbophyllum affine Wall ex Lindl.
Chinese name: Chichunshidou (red lip stone bean orchid), Gaoshifodou Lan (Gaoshifo bean orchid), Wenxing Lan (stripe star orchid)
Several medicinal uses are as follow:
Taiwanà The entire plant is used as a tonic to reduce phlegm and to stop bleeding
Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnanà Herbs obtained are used either fresh or steamed and dried. It can also be made into Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) to treat hepatitis, coughs and heat in the lungs.
If you would like to sample these scents, head down to Singapore Memories's retailers right now!
Several medicinal uses are as follow:
Taiwanà The entire plant is used as a tonic to reduce phlegm and to stop bleeding
Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnanà Herbs obtained are used either fresh or steamed and dried. It can also be made into Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) to treat hepatitis, coughs and heat in the lungs.
Bulbophyllum affine Wall ex Lindl.
Chinese name: Chichunshidou (red lip stone bean orchid), Gaoshifodou Lan (Gaoshifo bean orchid), Wenxing Lan (stripe star orchid)
About Singapore Girl - https://singapore-memories.com/products/singapore-girl-best-perfume-for-her
About Singapore Memories - https://singapore-memories.com/
Our research on Therapeutic Orchids of Asia - https://singapore-memories.com/pages/therapeutic-orchids
Our research on Scented Native Orchids of Singapore - https://singapore-memories.com/pages/scented-orchids-of-singapore