| Vanda sanderiana | |
|---|---|
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| flower detail | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Genus: | Vanda |
| Species: | V. sanderiana |
| Binomial name | |
| Vanda sanderiana (Rchb.f.) Rchb.f.[1] | |
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| Vanda sanderiana is endemic to the Philippines[1] | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
List
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Vanda sanderiana is a species oforchid. It is commonly calledwaling-waling[2] in thePhilippines and is also calledSander's Vanda,[3] afterHenry Frederick Conrad Sander, a notedorchidologist. The orchid is considered to be the "Queen of Philippine flowers" and is worshiped as adiwata by the indigenousBagobo people.[citation needed]
The leaves are strap shaped.[4]
The erect inflorescence bears 8–12 flowers[4] with broad, flat sepals and petals.[5]
It was first published asEsmeralda sanderiana Rchb.f. byHeinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1882.[6][1] It was transferred to the genusVanda R.Br. asVanda sanderiana (Rchb.f.) Rchb.f. published by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1882.[1] It is placed inVanda sect.Roeblingiana.[5]
The Philippine Orchid Society, which incorporates an image of the flower in itslogo, states that the species has three varieties:[7]
Vanda sanderiana is endemic toMindanao in the provinces ofDavao,Cotabato, and Zamboanga where it is found on the trunks ofdipterocarp trees at elevations below 500 meters. Over-collected, the plant is considered rare in nature. It is often used inhybridization.[8]
In 2004, a motion was filed in theHouse of Representatives of the Philippines to declare the waling-waling as the country's national flower, replacing thesampaguita.[9][10] In 2013, a bill was passed by the Philippine Senate declaring the waling-waling as anational flower alongside the sampaguita.[11] However, the House Bill 5655 was vetoed by PresidentBenigno Aquino III citing that other means were available to promote the protection and preservation of the orchid without declaring it a second national flower.[12]
a second national flower has the pernicious effect of creating confusion in the minds of the public and the academe. Moreover, declaring the Waling Waling Orchid as the second national flower would have the effect of displacing the hallowed status of the Sampaguita, a cherished national icon, as the primary symbol of Philippine culture and artistry. Furthermore, there are other means to promote the protection and preservation of the Waling Waling Orchid without declaring it a second national flower.
Media related toWaling-waling (Vanda sanderiana) at Wikimedia Commons
Data related toWaling-waling (Vanda sanderiana) at Wikispecies| Official |  | ||||||
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