Mille & une orchidées (A Thousand and One Orchids)

A number of “wild” species, preserved the Museum in its greenhouses at the Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup will be on show for the public. This institution ensures the conservation of living plant collections, using methods which include in-vitro cultivation, a method used as a supplement to traditional horticulture. In fact, the Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) blooming in our homes are produced using in-vitro cultivation.

We met with Arnaud Madela, the gardener in charge of conservation of the Museum’s orchid collection.

The Botanical Gardens of the City of Paris (Auteuil greenhouses) will be unveiling rare specimens from its extraordinary collection which is usually a well-kept secret. To the delight of specialists and neophytes alike, five French orchid producers - Vacherot & Lecoufle, the Orchidium, the Cour des Orchidées, Ryanne Orchidée and Les orchidées du Val D'Yerres - will be displaying highly original plants in the heart of the greenhouse, presented amidst abundant floral arrangements.

As always, two French Orchid associations - the Fédération France Orchidées (F.F.O) and the Association Française, Culture et Protection des Orchidées (A.F.C.P.O.) - will be present in the greenhouse to answer all yours questions and dispense valuable advice on orchid care. This year will also see the introduction of orchid care workshops for small groups, held each Tuesday and at weekends (booking required).

In this report, Denis Larpin, head scientist for the collection of living tropical plant species at the Museum, presents the various different types of orchids.