117th IOC SESSION OPENING CEREMONY
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
5 July 2005

IOC Orchid

VANDA IOC

Parentage: Vanda Singa Ruby x Vanda teres

This new orchid hybrid handcrafted by the Singapore Botanic Gardens claims the proud lineage of Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

The colours of this beautiful orchid complement the colours of the logo of the 117th IOC session held here in Singapore with the light peach sepals and petals bearing a shade of purple-lilac.  The most prominent feature of the flower is its lip; its scarlet mid-lobe bears, eye-catching red spots while the lateral-lobes are a subtler yellow-orange.  The bright and lively flowers measure about 7 cm across.

Robust and free-flowering, this orchid reflects the enduring Olympic spirit. The flowering sprays reach 40 to 45 cm long, with flowers blooming progressively as the sprays elongate.

This orchid is named on 5 July 2005 to commemorate the 117th International Olympic Committee Session held in Singapore.

Date of pollination: 3 November 1999

Date of first flowering: 8 January 2005

Photographs of the Vanda IOC can be downloaded from the 117th IOC Session website from 8.30pm, 5 July 2005 at http://www.singapore2005ioc.org.sg/Media/Photo+Gallery.htm