Rare tiger orchid rewards Razali’s patience

In 2011, Razali Ayeh, a 51-year-old smallholder from Kelantan, discovered a tiger orchid seedling in a forest near Pos Hau. He brought the plant home to Kampung Redip and planted it as a decorative addition to his property. Unbeknownst to him, the orchid would become a source of great excitement and intrigue for him over the following eight years.

In 2018, Razali saw the tiger orchid bloom for the first time, producing its signature striped petals that inspired the species' name. This year, the plant flowered again, and Razali can now admire its beauty once more. The Grammatophyllum speciosum, as the orchid is scientifically known, is considered rare and difficult to find in the wild. Habitat loss and its preference for growing high on trees contribute to its scarcity.

Razali currently has three orchid plants around his home, but this particular tiger orchid is the only native species. Over the years, it has grown from a single stem to a large cluster, reaching impressive dimensions typical of the species. Locally, this orchid is sometimes referred to as the sugarcane orchid due to its long, segmented stems.

To ensure the orchid's health, Razali provides it with ample space, using coconut fibre and placing it in an open area with sufficient sunlight. He also exercises care in managing its older stems, pruning the brown ones while allowing the green growth to flourish. Now that the orchid is blooming once again, it has become an attraction for visitors to Kampung Redip, where homestays already draw tourists to the area.

For Razali, the plant's significance extends beyond its beauty. It serves as a tangible reminder of a chance discovery that he brought home and nurtured over many years, much like the orchid's resilience in the wild.