US: How Hawaii became known as 'Orchid Isle'
Each of the seven Hawaiian Islands has a nickname, and the Big Island of Hawaii is called the “Orchid Isle.” Yet, there are only three obscure orchid species that originated on the islands. These rarities are found in remote areas, and even well-versed growers have never heard of them.
So how did the name “Orchid Isle” come into being?
It all started around the turn of the century when Chinese laborers arrived to work on the sugar plantations. Some plants arrived with them. Phaius tankervilleae, also known as the “Nun’s Orchid,” started to appear as did an early orange and red cluster type, Epidendrum hybrid. The terrestrial Spathoglottis plicata was found in grassy fields.
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