Phalaenopsis Kenneth Schubert Tari-12 is found in only one place in the world: the Floriculture Research Center in western Taiwan’s Yunlin County. Featuring delicate petals patterned in pink, red and white, the hybrid orchid is among several experimental strains set for possible commercial cultivation in around three years’ time.
Established by Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute under the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture, FRC opened its doors in 2001. The center hosts laboratories, greenhouses and net houses, aviary-like plots of cultivated land protected by giant meshes, where new varieties of plants are developed and reproduced at scale through tissue culture.
Phalaenopsis Kenneth Schubert Tari-12 already has one avowed fan: Nuttha Potapohn, part of a recent six-member study group to the center from Thailand. “I am very impressed,” she said. “It has clusters of smaller blooms and a very nice color and fragrance.”
FRC Director Hsieh Ting-fang said the research facility is experimenting with creating flowers—especially orchids—that demonstrate better disease resistance and drought tolerance, are easy to grow and have longer-lasting blooms in new colors, shapes and sizes. The center also cooperates closely with farmers and holds exchange activities, seminars and training programs.
