Malaysia Florist sales to be up
Yep, with Valentine's Day coming and Chap Goh Mei, Malaysia Florist will have higher demand. Strangely got one or two inquiries for flowers from my website! Unfortunately I don't supply flowers.
Cheers!
Rosy month ahead for florists
Monday January 17, 2011
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The demand for flowers, especially roses, is expected to triple in February due to the Chinese New Year celebrations on Feb 3 and Valentine's Day on Feb 14.
This is a welcome development for flower growers in Cameron Highlands who are geared up to meet the expected increase in demand, especially flowers for Valentine's Day which will pick up a better price.
Tiew Hui Ree, a florist at the Kea Farm here said the price of roses had increased four-fold ahead of Valentine's Day, with local roses being sold at RM15 a dozen compared with the usual RM5.
The price of carnations had doubled compared with recent years, Tiew, 43, added.
Most of the local roses are sold in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor.
"The market has experienced a high demand for roses and other flowers since the beginning of this month," she said, adding that the demand was expected to peak a week before Chinese New Year.
Another florist Vaani Supiah, said she is looking forward to the double celebrations as many would just buy without bargaining for a lower price.
She said sales last February were a bit dull because both Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day fell on the same day.
They are now gearing up to face a busy February not only with the expected increase in demand but also with the arrival of tourists to the highland resort due to the long weekend break for the Chinese New Year. — Bernama
Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts
Monday, January 17, 2011
Friday, September 24, 2010
Cameron Highlands flower and vegetable traders in a huff over eviction notice
Cameron traders in a huff over eviction notice
By Ivan Loh
Friday September 24, 2010
IPOH: A group of flower and vegetable traders are up in arms following a notice to evict them from their stalls at Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands.
Flower trader Ramli Osman, 49, claimed that he and 17 others had received the eviction notice from the Cameron Highlands district office to make way for a commercial centre and apartments project there on July 29.
"We have been trading there for the past 17 years. It is unfair to ask us to leave abruptly," Ramli told reporters here yesterday.
"They want to relocate us somewhere nearby but that place is not strategic for our businesses."
By Ivan Loh
Friday September 24, 2010
IPOH: A group of flower and vegetable traders are up in arms following a notice to evict them from their stalls at Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands.
Flower trader Ramli Osman, 49, claimed that he and 17 others had received the eviction notice from the Cameron Highlands district office to make way for a commercial centre and apartments project there on July 29.
"We have been trading there for the past 17 years. It is unfair to ask us to leave abruptly," Ramli told reporters here yesterday.
"They want to relocate us somewhere nearby but that place is not strategic for our businesses."
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Rafflesia used as traditional medicine unwise
Warning against 'jamu' using Rafflesia
24/5/2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Clinical tests on mice have shown that traditional medicine using the Rafflesia flower can have adverse effects on the liver and spleen, claims a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer.
Dr Nazlina Ibrahim, of the university's School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, said Masters student Khairunnadwa Jemon's research found that the internal organs of white mice, which had delivered offspring and were given compounds of buds of the Rafflesia for 14 days, had become smaller.
She said traditional medicine using the flower were usually consumed by women who had just delivered to shrink their uterus and by men, supposedly for sexual strength.
Dr Nazlina said in an article in the university's news portal that the research by Khairunnadwa, under her supervision, found that the liver managed to detoxify ingredients from the buds of the Rafflesia azlanii.
"But this process also shrank the liver from its original size. The experiment thus confirmed the ability of the flower buds. But the risks to other vital organs being affected also exists, that is, the liver," said Dr Nazlina in the article.
Warning against 'jamu' using Rafflesia
She said woman who have been drinking water boiled with the buds of the Rafflesia for after-birth treatment needed to seriously consider the adverse and dangerous effects.
Dr Nazlina said the level of toxicity seen in the study should be a warning to people taking "jamu" using parts of the Rafflesia azlanii as a source of traditional medicine.
"If one wants to reduce weight, one should have a balanced diet and exercise. These are more effective and safe," she said.
The Rafflesia has for generations been used as an ingredient of traditional medicine, and the buds of the flower can be bought for between RM9 and RM25, depending on the size. - Bernama
24/5/2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Clinical tests on mice have shown that traditional medicine using the Rafflesia flower can have adverse effects on the liver and spleen, claims a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer.
Dr Nazlina Ibrahim, of the university's School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, said Masters student Khairunnadwa Jemon's research found that the internal organs of white mice, which had delivered offspring and were given compounds of buds of the Rafflesia for 14 days, had become smaller.
She said traditional medicine using the flower were usually consumed by women who had just delivered to shrink their uterus and by men, supposedly for sexual strength.
Dr Nazlina said in an article in the university's news portal that the research by Khairunnadwa, under her supervision, found that the liver managed to detoxify ingredients from the buds of the Rafflesia azlanii.
"But this process also shrank the liver from its original size. The experiment thus confirmed the ability of the flower buds. But the risks to other vital organs being affected also exists, that is, the liver," said Dr Nazlina in the article.
Warning against 'jamu' using Rafflesia
She said woman who have been drinking water boiled with the buds of the Rafflesia for after-birth treatment needed to seriously consider the adverse and dangerous effects.
Dr Nazlina said the level of toxicity seen in the study should be a warning to people taking "jamu" using parts of the Rafflesia azlanii as a source of traditional medicine.
"If one wants to reduce weight, one should have a balanced diet and exercise. These are more effective and safe," she said.
The Rafflesia has for generations been used as an ingredient of traditional medicine, and the buds of the flower can be bought for between RM9 and RM25, depending on the size. - Bernama
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Rafflesia Flower Kerrii Found
650ha of Rafflesia Kerrii clusters found in Kelantan
Wednesday May 19, 2010
KOTA BARU: A 650ha site with many clusters of Rafflesia Kerrii has been found in Lojing Highlands, about 260km south of Kelantan.
The area has a potential to be a world heritage site but is threatened by encroaching development from neighbouring Cameron Highlands.
The site was discovered by a Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) research team headed by its senior lecturer Zulhazman Hamzah in 2008.
UMK vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Zainai Mohamed announced the find at a two-day National Conference on Natural Resources here yesterday.
Dr Zainai said that with the discovery, the area could be developed for the agro-tourism industry, but it needed to be gazetted as a national and world treasure.
"Nowhere else in the world can we find clusters of such species and it should be gazetted as soon as possible to protect its natural habitat. Otherwise, development will destroy the area," he said.
He also said more research would be done on the area, including the economic spin-off, natural habitat and potential conservation.
Zulhazman said after a two-year study of the area, he concluded that it has a vast tourism potential.
"I discovered 26 spots using the Geographic Information System. I have plotted three different sites – Kampung Cedau, Kampung Kuala Rengi and Kampung Gedik.
"All the Rafflesias were located outside the Lojing Highlands forest reserve and therefore it is vulnerable to development unless they are protected," he said.
Rafflesia Kerrii is the second largest flower after Rafflesia Arnoldii.
He said serious efforts must be done to conserve the area that has no fewer than 260 pods scattered all over, adding that a working paper had been sent to the state government proposing that the area be gazetted but they have yet to receive any response. -- The Star
Wednesday May 19, 2010
KOTA BARU: A 650ha site with many clusters of Rafflesia Kerrii has been found in Lojing Highlands, about 260km south of Kelantan.
The area has a potential to be a world heritage site but is threatened by encroaching development from neighbouring Cameron Highlands.
The site was discovered by a Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) research team headed by its senior lecturer Zulhazman Hamzah in 2008.
UMK vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Zainai Mohamed announced the find at a two-day National Conference on Natural Resources here yesterday.
Dr Zainai said that with the discovery, the area could be developed for the agro-tourism industry, but it needed to be gazetted as a national and world treasure.
"Nowhere else in the world can we find clusters of such species and it should be gazetted as soon as possible to protect its natural habitat. Otherwise, development will destroy the area," he said.
He also said more research would be done on the area, including the economic spin-off, natural habitat and potential conservation.
Zulhazman said after a two-year study of the area, he concluded that it has a vast tourism potential.
"I discovered 26 spots using the Geographic Information System. I have plotted three different sites – Kampung Cedau, Kampung Kuala Rengi and Kampung Gedik.
"All the Rafflesias were located outside the Lojing Highlands forest reserve and therefore it is vulnerable to development unless they are protected," he said.
Rafflesia Kerrii is the second largest flower after Rafflesia Arnoldii.
He said serious efforts must be done to conserve the area that has no fewer than 260 pods scattered all over, adding that a working paper had been sent to the state government proposing that the area be gazetted but they have yet to receive any response. -- The Star
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Flower Show in Chelsea
Local flora set to bloom at the Chelsea Flower Show this May
By Sheila Stanley
Thursday April 1, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: A tropical Malaysia-themed garden is set to bloom at the Chelsea Flower Show in London this May.
The 220-sq metre garden, designed by award-winning botanical design firm Amphibian Designs, is inspired by lush rainforest and traditional Malaysian village garden plants.
The main person behind all this is 28-year-old ethnobotanist James Wong, an up-and-coming television star in Britain, who co-founded Amphibian Designs with partner David Cubero.
"We’d like to pair traditional Malaysian materials like sustainable coconut wood and white limestone with native species like pitcher plants," he said while on a recent trip to Malaysia to film the BBC2 documentary special James Wong’s Malaysian Garden.
While in the country, Wong took the opportunity to scout around for local plants that would survive the more temperate English climate.
One of the places he visited was Cameron Highlands, where in YG Park nursery he came across the Rose grape (medinilla magnifica) plant and the elephant ear taro (alocasia macrorrhizos).
He also shopped for some cultural items to be included in the garden.
"I picked up a tepak sirih while in Kuching – I think it’ll lend a unique feel to the garden," he said.
Intended as a showcase to highlight Malaysian flora and natural habitats, the Malaysian garden in Chelsea is part of Tourism Malaysia’s ongoing promotion to sell Malaysian parks and gardens abroad.
Born to a Sarawakian-Chinese father and an English mother, Wong studied primarily in Singapore and moved to Britain for his university years.
He studied business in the beginning but realised his life’s passion was plants and decided to do ethnobotany.
He completed his MSc in Ethnobotany at the University of Bath and trained at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.
His research resulted in him living in Ecuador for 18 months, learning how the Ecuadorians use their plants and picking up Spanish.
Wong ventured into television not because of the glamour but because he thought it would be the best way for him to do ethnobotany without spending the next seven years of his life "working towards a PhD in a remote part of the world and studying a subject that only the professors that marked my paper would ever read".
Wong has an infectious passion for plants and people, which doesn’t stop when the cameras stop rolling.
The Malaysian garden at the Chelsea Flower Show will be opened by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
For an update on the garden, visit http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/members/James-Wong.aspx
-- The Star
By Sheila Stanley
Thursday April 1, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: A tropical Malaysia-themed garden is set to bloom at the Chelsea Flower Show in London this May.
The 220-sq metre garden, designed by award-winning botanical design firm Amphibian Designs, is inspired by lush rainforest and traditional Malaysian village garden plants.
The main person behind all this is 28-year-old ethnobotanist James Wong, an up-and-coming television star in Britain, who co-founded Amphibian Designs with partner David Cubero.
"We’d like to pair traditional Malaysian materials like sustainable coconut wood and white limestone with native species like pitcher plants," he said while on a recent trip to Malaysia to film the BBC2 documentary special James Wong’s Malaysian Garden.
While in the country, Wong took the opportunity to scout around for local plants that would survive the more temperate English climate.
Floral pursuit: Wong posing with the Rose grape (medinilla magnifica) plant at the YG Park nursery in Cameron Highlands recently.
One of the places he visited was Cameron Highlands, where in YG Park nursery he came across the Rose grape (medinilla magnifica) plant and the elephant ear taro (alocasia macrorrhizos).
He also shopped for some cultural items to be included in the garden.
"I picked up a tepak sirih while in Kuching – I think it’ll lend a unique feel to the garden," he said.
Intended as a showcase to highlight Malaysian flora and natural habitats, the Malaysian garden in Chelsea is part of Tourism Malaysia’s ongoing promotion to sell Malaysian parks and gardens abroad.
Born to a Sarawakian-Chinese father and an English mother, Wong studied primarily in Singapore and moved to Britain for his university years.
He studied business in the beginning but realised his life’s passion was plants and decided to do ethnobotany.
He completed his MSc in Ethnobotany at the University of Bath and trained at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.
His research resulted in him living in Ecuador for 18 months, learning how the Ecuadorians use their plants and picking up Spanish.
Wong ventured into television not because of the glamour but because he thought it would be the best way for him to do ethnobotany without spending the next seven years of his life "working towards a PhD in a remote part of the world and studying a subject that only the professors that marked my paper would ever read".
Wong has an infectious passion for plants and people, which doesn’t stop when the cameras stop rolling.
The Malaysian garden at the Chelsea Flower Show will be opened by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
For an update on the garden, visit http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/members/James-Wong.aspx
-- The Star
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Strawberry Farm in Genting Highlands
Strawberry lure at Genting
Story and photos by Nik Naizi Husin
Thursday February 25, 2010
Bentong: Genting Highlands has new attractions for the droves of tourists who visit its theme parks and casino. It is now also home to strawberry and orchid farms.
Genting Strawberry Leisure Farms chief executive K.C. Chung said his farm was conceptualised a year ago to diversify the tourism products in Genting Highlands.
“Cameron Highlands is famous for its strawberries and people travel there to visit its many big farms.
“Although our farm is just a little over 2ha, we optimised the use of space with the help of friends who are experts in farming besides my own experience.
“The local tourism industry can keep growing if the players are creative in coming up with new ideas,” he said.
He said that Genting Highlands appealed to visitors for its cool climate and theme park and now the strawberry farm as well.
“At my farm, visitors can pick strawberries, vegetables and mushrooms by themselves,” he said.
There are several types of mushrooms growing at the farm.
Chung said the farm was crowded during school holidays as admission was free.
Some 3km up the road leading to Awana Genting is an orchid farm.
It is a little hidden and many visitors are unaware of it, but orchid lovers have known about The World of Phalaenopsis for years.
Some 50 species thrive on the 0.4ha there.
It was established by Y.K. Yap, who started collecting and growing orchids as a hobby until he realised he had enough of them to start a small farm. -- The StarMetro
Footnote: I think I saw their farm on the way down from First World Hotel. Maybe next time might give it a visit and look see. Something nearer to KL folks rather than travel so far to Cameron Highlands to see strawberry farm. Then again, Cameron Highlands is more soothing with all the greenery than Genting Highlands, eh? - Jan.
Story and photos by Nik Naizi Husin
Thursday February 25, 2010
Bentong: Genting Highlands has new attractions for the droves of tourists who visit its theme parks and casino. It is now also home to strawberry and orchid farms.
Genting Strawberry Leisure Farms chief executive K.C. Chung said his farm was conceptualised a year ago to diversify the tourism products in Genting Highlands.
“Cameron Highlands is famous for its strawberries and people travel there to visit its many big farms.
Getting ripe: Chung showing the unplucked strawberries at his farm in Genting Highlands recently.
“Although our farm is just a little over 2ha, we optimised the use of space with the help of friends who are experts in farming besides my own experience.
“The local tourism industry can keep growing if the players are creative in coming up with new ideas,” he said.
Full blossoms: Genting Highlands in Pahang is not just known for its theme park and casino as it is attracting tourists to an orchid farm and a strawberry farm in its locality.
He said that Genting Highlands appealed to visitors for its cool climate and theme park and now the strawberry farm as well.
“At my farm, visitors can pick strawberries, vegetables and mushrooms by themselves,” he said.
There are several types of mushrooms growing at the farm.
Chung said the farm was crowded during school holidays as admission was free.
For leisure: An attraction at the farm is this bamboo hut.
Some 3km up the road leading to Awana Genting is an orchid farm.
It is a little hidden and many visitors are unaware of it, but orchid lovers have known about The World of Phalaenopsis for years.
Some 50 species thrive on the 0.4ha there.
It was established by Y.K. Yap, who started collecting and growing orchids as a hobby until he realised he had enough of them to start a small farm. -- The StarMetro
Optimum land use; The rows of the strawberry plants at the farm.
Footnote: I think I saw their farm on the way down from First World Hotel. Maybe next time might give it a visit and look see. Something nearer to KL folks rather than travel so far to Cameron Highlands to see strawberry farm. Then again, Cameron Highlands is more soothing with all the greenery than Genting Highlands, eh? - Jan.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Photography competition in Genting Highlands
Photography competition in Genting Highlands draws 1,328 entries
Tuesday June 9, 2009
THE Genting Goes Green Flora and Fauna Photography Competition drew tremendous response.
A total of 1,328 entries were received for the competition, which was organised by Genting – City of Entertainment, and supported by Alfa International College, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and Society of Photographers – Malaysia (SPM).
The sponsors for the competition included Star Cruises and Awana Hotels & Resorts and Fujifilm as the official imaging sponsor.
The competition was launched on March 1 and ended in mid-May.
The professional and aspiring young photographers who captured the 34 shots that were judged winners received their prizes at a ceremony held at Times Square, First World Plaza in Genting Highlands recently.
Colouful caterpillar: Fauna Student category third prize photo by Lim Jun Yong.
Tuesday June 9, 2009
THE Genting Goes Green Flora and Fauna Photography Competition drew tremendous response.
A total of 1,328 entries were received for the competition, which was organised by Genting – City of Entertainment, and supported by Alfa International College, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and Society of Photographers – Malaysia (SPM).
The sponsors for the competition included Star Cruises and Awana Hotels & Resorts and Fujifilm as the official imaging sponsor.
The competition was launched on March 1 and ended in mid-May.
The professional and aspiring young photographers who captured the 34 shots that were judged winners received their prizes at a ceremony held at Times Square, First World Plaza in Genting Highlands recently.
Colouful caterpillar: Fauna Student category third prize photo by Lim Jun Yong.Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Nepenthes Pitcher Plant - epitome of exotica
Epitome of exotica
Stories by Tan Cheng Li
Tuesday March 17, 2009
Exotic and enigmatic, the pitcher plant is a deadly beauty that has been mesmerising enthusiasts for centuries.
IMAGINE a plant whose leaves can grow into elongated cups complete with lids; cups that ooze sweet nectar to draw in insects which are then feasted upon by the plant. That is the carnivorous pitcher plant, or Nepenthes, for you.
This enigmatic plant, with its bizarre characteristics and wide-ranging colours and shapes, has besotted people ever since a species in Madagascar first caught the attention of Europeans in 1658.
Stories by Tan Cheng Li
Tuesday March 17, 2009
Exotic and enigmatic, the pitcher plant is a deadly beauty that has been mesmerising enthusiasts for centuries.
IMAGINE a plant whose leaves can grow into elongated cups complete with lids; cups that ooze sweet nectar to draw in insects which are then feasted upon by the plant. That is the carnivorous pitcher plant, or Nepenthes, for you.
This enigmatic plant, with its bizarre characteristics and wide-ranging colours and shapes, has besotted people ever since a species in Madagascar first caught the attention of Europeans in 1658.
Nepenthes enthusiast Mohd Fauzi Abu Bakar started growing the carnivorous plant in 2002 and has since turned his hobby into an income-generator.
Nepenthes pitcher plant - Growing nepenthes market
Growing nepenthes market
Tuesday March 17, 2009
GOOGLE “nepenthes” and you will get a string of hits on companies selling the plant. Fascination with Nepenthes has always been great but with the Internet, it has grown immense and selling the plant has never been easier.
One company is offering the N. platychila, described only in 2002 and known only from Hose Mountain in central Sarawak, for US$72 (RM266) for a small plant and US$144 (RM420), a large one. This species is prized for its funnel-shaped pitchers with unusually wide and flat peristome (the rim at the mouth of the pitcher) which is beautifully striped with red, yellow and purple.
Tuesday March 17, 2009
GOOGLE “nepenthes” and you will get a string of hits on companies selling the plant. Fascination with Nepenthes has always been great but with the Internet, it has grown immense and selling the plant has never been easier.
One company is offering the N. platychila, described only in 2002 and known only from Hose Mountain in central Sarawak, for US$72 (RM266) for a small plant and US$144 (RM420), a large one. This species is prized for its funnel-shaped pitchers with unusually wide and flat peristome (the rim at the mouth of the pitcher) which is beautifully striped with red, yellow and purple.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Christmas flowers for Chinese New Year, anyone?
Christmas flowers for Chinese New Year, anyone?
Thursday January 15, 2009
GEORGE TOWN: The poinsettia or Christmas flower is proving to be popular not only during Christmas but also Chinese New Year here.
Flower trader Ang Hock Aun, 46, said he was surprised that people were still asking for the plant after the festive season, adding that he had ordered more as his first batch of 150 plants was running out.
Thursday January 15, 2009
Auspicious colours: Ang’s wife Jenney Wong arranging the poinsettia or the Christmas flower that are much favoured by the customers as CNY flowers for its strikingly red leaves.
GEORGE TOWN: The poinsettia or Christmas flower is proving to be popular not only during Christmas but also Chinese New Year here.
Flower trader Ang Hock Aun, 46, said he was surprised that people were still asking for the plant after the festive season, adding that he had ordered more as his first batch of 150 plants was running out.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Wild orchid found in Cameron Highlands
Wild orchid found in Cameron Highlands
By Christina Koh
Monday December 1, 2008
IPOH: The rare flowering of a mountain “leafless orchid” has sparked excitement among a group of friends who spotted it in the Cameron Highlands jungle of Gunung Jasar, Tanah Rata.
Local environmentalist and orchid enthusiast Embi Abdullah, 60, said it had been five years since he had seen the Aphyllorchis montana orchid blooming in the area.
Commonly known as the “leafless orchid”, the plant only reveals itself when it flowers, producing a 1.2m tall stem of butter-yellow orchids with brown specks, he said.
“It is very difficult to find them because this mountain species usually flowers once every two or three years,” said Embi.
By Christina Koh
Monday December 1, 2008
IPOH: The rare flowering of a mountain “leafless orchid” has sparked excitement among a group of friends who spotted it in the Cameron Highlands jungle of Gunung Jasar, Tanah Rata.
Local environmentalist and orchid enthusiast Embi Abdullah, 60, said it had been five years since he had seen the Aphyllorchis montana orchid blooming in the area.
Commonly known as the “leafless orchid”, the plant only reveals itself when it flowers, producing a 1.2m tall stem of butter-yellow orchids with brown specks, he said.
“It is very difficult to find them because this mountain species usually flowers once every two or three years,” said Embi.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Cameron’s blooms to cost
Cameron’s blooms to cost
Thursday July 31, 2008
IPOH: The price of Cameron Highland flowers will go up by 10% from Aug 8.
Flower Floriculture Association chairman Lee Peng Fo said the increase was inevitable as the price of raw materials such as fertiliser and petrol had been increasing.
“The last time we increased the price of flowers was in December 2004,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
“We have no choice. If we do not increase the price, some of us may be forced to turn to vegetable farming,” he added.
Lee noted that the price of raw materials had increased by between 40% and 50% since last year.
The flowers produced at Cameron Highlands are mostly sold in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru, he said. -- The Star.
Thursday July 31, 2008
IPOH: The price of Cameron Highland flowers will go up by 10% from Aug 8.
Flower Floriculture Association chairman Lee Peng Fo said the increase was inevitable as the price of raw materials such as fertiliser and petrol had been increasing.
“The last time we increased the price of flowers was in December 2004,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
“We have no choice. If we do not increase the price, some of us may be forced to turn to vegetable farming,” he added.
Lee noted that the price of raw materials had increased by between 40% and 50% since last year.
The flowers produced at Cameron Highlands are mostly sold in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru, he said. -- The Star.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
New variant of rare flower found in Camerons
New variant of rare flower found in Camerons
By Christina Koh
Wednesday May 14, 2008
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: It is a plant with an awful stench but its beauty is enough to stop nature-lovers in their tracks.
The Amorphophallus bufo, a rare species found in tropical and sub-tropical areas, sparked interest when news of its discovery here broke last year.
But there is fresh excitement now with the sighting of a new variant with reddish and pinkish flowers.
Local environmentalist and orchid enthusiast Embi Abdullah, 60, said he and his friend N. Madi were trekking when they spotted the reddish bloom in the jungles of Gunung Jasar, Tanah Rata, here.
Most Amorphophallus bufo flowers were brown with white spots, he said.
Within just a week, Embi and several others came across a colony of more than 10 of the plants, five of them in bloom.
“You only get to see these flowers once every five or six years,” Embi said in Brinchang here.
He added that the highlands Amorphophallus bufo, measuring about 1.5m in height, was unusually tall and dwarfed other Amorphophallus species.
“The Amorphophallus is also a plant found in warmer lowlands, so the Cameron Highlands species is even more unique,” he added.
Embi said a group of them planned to approach the district officer or the state forestry department with a proposal to set up an Amorphophallus conservatory.
“The Amorphophallus might have some medicinal value and the conservatory could be used for research and maybe tourism purposes.
“In India, the tuber of one Amorphophallus species has even been used as food,” he added.
The group also hoped to consult fellow environmentalist Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat, who recently led a group of scientists in finding another variety of the plant during a Forest Research Institute of Malaysia expedition.--The Star.
By Christina Koh
Wednesday May 14, 2008
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: It is a plant with an awful stench but its beauty is enough to stop nature-lovers in their tracks.
The Amorphophallus bufo, a rare species found in tropical and sub-tropical areas, sparked interest when news of its discovery here broke last year.
Unusual bloom: Madi posing with one of the reddish flowers in the jungles of Gunung Jasar, Tanah Rata, in an undated handout photo.
But there is fresh excitement now with the sighting of a new variant with reddish and pinkish flowers.
Local environmentalist and orchid enthusiast Embi Abdullah, 60, said he and his friend N. Madi were trekking when they spotted the reddish bloom in the jungles of Gunung Jasar, Tanah Rata, here.
Most Amorphophallus bufo flowers were brown with white spots, he said.
Within just a week, Embi and several others came across a colony of more than 10 of the plants, five of them in bloom.
“You only get to see these flowers once every five or six years,” Embi said in Brinchang here.
He added that the highlands Amorphophallus bufo, measuring about 1.5m in height, was unusually tall and dwarfed other Amorphophallus species.
“The Amorphophallus is also a plant found in warmer lowlands, so the Cameron Highlands species is even more unique,” he added.
Embi said a group of them planned to approach the district officer or the state forestry department with a proposal to set up an Amorphophallus conservatory.
“The Amorphophallus might have some medicinal value and the conservatory could be used for research and maybe tourism purposes.
“In India, the tuber of one Amorphophallus species has even been used as food,” he added.
The group also hoped to consult fellow environmentalist Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat, who recently led a group of scientists in finding another variety of the plant during a Forest Research Institute of Malaysia expedition.--The Star.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Refreshing Bukit Fraser
Refreshing Bukit Fraser
Story and photos by Nik Naizi Husin
Friday March 14, 2008
With an allocation of RM15.15mil from the Federal Government under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Bukit Fraser will soon have a new look with the upgrading of facilities, basic infrastructure, hotels and bungalows.
With all upgrading works expected to be completed by the end of the year, the hill resort is set to attract more locals and foreign tourists.
Pahang’s tourism agency Bukit Fraser Development Corporation chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan said all five government-owned bungalows Chini (also known as Hollebeke bungalow), Bentong (also known as Cottage bungalow), Kuantan (also known as Cicely bungalow), Tioman bungalow and The Tavern would be refurbished.
According to Maznah, the Hollebeke (Cini) bungalow was among the earliest building established on Bukit Fraser in the 1920s.
“ It used to be the residence of the Bukit Fraser’s superintendent and later on, the official residence for the Bukit Fraser Development Corporation general manager.
“The word 'Hollebeke' is a name of an English fort during World War I.
She said the Cottage (Bentong) bungalow was the smallest bungalow on the hill.
“It was formerly used as the site office of an engineer of the golf course on the highlands.
“Later on, the bungalow was used as the resthouse for the British Commisioner,” said Maznah.
Thee Cicely (Kuantan) bungalow is notable for its size.
Cicely was name of the wife of Pahang British Resident Edward John Brewster, said Maznah.
She said The Tavern, with its image of a western eatery, will remain as it is with some upgrades.
She said the restaurant’s operator would be allowed to serve western food including steak and scones to retain the “Little England” image.
“As for Tioman bungalow, it will be refurbished as a bakery cum cafe with the al-fresco concept to attract visitors to enjoy the cool weather.”
Maznah said there would be shoplots in Bukit Fraser to place the current operators in Puncak Inn and other traders
The plan include the construction of four shoplot units, 10 units of food stalls and a unit of a multi-purpose shop.
She said there would be improvements at the tourist complex.
Maznah said historical records showed that the golf course was built on the site of a former tin mine.
She said it was tin mining that brought development to the hill
Bukit Fraser is also rich in flora and fauna; some 260 species of birds have been recorded there.
It is also the venue for international events such as a bird race held every June since 1988.
Other annual events are woodball competition in May, Rainforest Art Contest in July and a photography contest in August.
Source: Star Metro
Story and photos by Nik Naizi Husin
Friday March 14, 2008
With an allocation of RM15.15mil from the Federal Government under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Bukit Fraser will soon have a new look with the upgrading of facilities, basic infrastructure, hotels and bungalows.
With all upgrading works expected to be completed by the end of the year, the hill resort is set to attract more locals and foreign tourists.
Central location: This colonial building, built in 1919, is home to the police station.
Pahang’s tourism agency Bukit Fraser Development Corporation chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan said all five government-owned bungalows Chini (also known as Hollebeke bungalow), Bentong (also known as Cottage bungalow), Kuantan (also known as Cicely bungalow), Tioman bungalow and The Tavern would be refurbished.
According to Maznah, the Hollebeke (Cini) bungalow was among the earliest building established on Bukit Fraser in the 1920s.
“ It used to be the residence of the Bukit Fraser’s superintendent and later on, the official residence for the Bukit Fraser Development Corporation general manager.
“The word 'Hollebeke' is a name of an English fort during World War I.
She said the Cottage (Bentong) bungalow was the smallest bungalow on the hill.
Lovely: The post office looks simply charming, doesn’t it?
“It was formerly used as the site office of an engineer of the golf course on the highlands.
“Later on, the bungalow was used as the resthouse for the British Commisioner,” said Maznah.
Thee Cicely (Kuantan) bungalow is notable for its size.
Cicely was name of the wife of Pahang British Resident Edward John Brewster, said Maznah.
She said The Tavern, with its image of a western eatery, will remain as it is with some upgrades.
She said the restaurant’s operator would be allowed to serve western food including steak and scones to retain the “Little England” image.
Worn out: Part of what used to be a Tamil primary school.
“As for Tioman bungalow, it will be refurbished as a bakery cum cafe with the al-fresco concept to attract visitors to enjoy the cool weather.”
Maznah said there would be shoplots in Bukit Fraser to place the current operators in Puncak Inn and other traders
The plan include the construction of four shoplot units, 10 units of food stalls and a unit of a multi-purpose shop.
She said there would be improvements at the tourist complex.
Maznah said historical records showed that the golf course was built on the site of a former tin mine.
She said it was tin mining that brought development to the hill
Bukit Fraser is also rich in flora and fauna; some 260 species of birds have been recorded there.
It is also the venue for international events such as a bird race held every June since 1988.
Other annual events are woodball competition in May, Rainforest Art Contest in July and a photography contest in August.
Source: Star Metro
Saturday, January 12, 2008
New plants for New Year
New plants for New Year
By THO XIN YI
Saturday January 12, 2008
PLANTS are symbols of life and growth. For the Chinese, it is a must to have plants decorating their houses and gardens during the Chinese New Year celebration.
Some of the popular plants are, among others, bamboo shoots, lime trees, cherry blossoms and plum blossoms.
Apart from decorative purposes, each of them carries a special connotation that is usually synonymous with good health, longevity, good fortune, abundance of wealth, business growth and career successes.
Shopping for plants for next month’s Chinese New Year celebration will be more exciting and fun as there are many new choices, some quite out of the ordinary.
At the flower bazaar at the NZX Commercial Centre in Ara Damansara, lime fruit almost as big as pomelos are the big attraction among the shoppers.
“People like to buy these big lime trees as they are very special. Our lime trees are available in different styles. There are the one-tier, three-tier and also eight-tier ones,” Phoenix Ocean marketing director Eric Hong said.
Another newcomer is the dragon pussywillow that comes planted in pots, in contrast to the normal ones that come in vases without soil.
According to Hong, the Chinese love the new pussywillow as it is “alive” and will grow leaves, symbolising growth in many aspects in life.
The Bromeliad (pineapple or “ong lai” flower) in red, purple and yellow is another popular plant since it represents the arrival of fortune. “Ong lai” in Hockkien means “Fortune comes”.
“The plants here are not only suitable for decorating houses and offices; they make great gifts as well,” Hong sai
According to Hong, even non-Chinese purchase the plants because of their vibrancy and uniqueness.
Also available at the bazaar are the bamboo shoots, “change-your-luck” bamboos, bonsai, crystal soil, pussywillows, vases, plastic plants, decorative items and garden fountains.
The bamboo is very popular as a symbol of life, longevity and strength. It stays firmly rooted even in the face of fierce winds. For the Hokkiens, the bamboo plants represent their shelter from the evil demons that terrorised their ancestors during an ancient dark evil era.
The imported plants come from China and Taiwan while the homegrown ones are from Cameron Highlands.
“I will have cherry blossoms, tulips, chrysanthemums and more,” Hong said.
The bazaar, opened since Jan 1, is open from 10am till 11pm daily until the 15th day of Chinese New Year.
For more information, call 016-841 7887 (Jason) or 016-332 2322 (Melvin).
-- The Star Metro
By THO XIN YI
Saturday January 12, 2008
PLANTS are symbols of life and growth. For the Chinese, it is a must to have plants decorating their houses and gardens during the Chinese New Year celebration.
Some of the popular plants are, among others, bamboo shoots, lime trees, cherry blossoms and plum blossoms.
Apart from decorative purposes, each of them carries a special connotation that is usually synonymous with good health, longevity, good fortune, abundance of wealth, business growth and career successes.
Shopping for plants for next month’s Chinese New Year celebration will be more exciting and fun as there are many new choices, some quite out of the ordinary.
Green gifts: These bamboo shoots are among the items found at NZX Commercial Centre.
At the flower bazaar at the NZX Commercial Centre in Ara Damansara, lime fruit almost as big as pomelos are the big attraction among the shoppers.
“People like to buy these big lime trees as they are very special. Our lime trees are available in different styles. There are the one-tier, three-tier and also eight-tier ones,” Phoenix Ocean marketing director Eric Hong said.
Another newcomer is the dragon pussywillow that comes planted in pots, in contrast to the normal ones that come in vases without soil.
According to Hong, the Chinese love the new pussywillow as it is “alive” and will grow leaves, symbolising growth in many aspects in life.
The Bromeliad (pineapple or “ong lai” flower) in red, purple and yellow is another popular plant since it represents the arrival of fortune. “Ong lai” in Hockkien means “Fortune comes”.
“The plants here are not only suitable for decorating houses and offices; they make great gifts as well,” Hong sai
Unique feature: The dragon pussywillow comes planted in pots to signify growing opportunities in life.
According to Hong, even non-Chinese purchase the plants because of their vibrancy and uniqueness.
Also available at the bazaar are the bamboo shoots, “change-your-luck” bamboos, bonsai, crystal soil, pussywillows, vases, plastic plants, decorative items and garden fountains.
The bamboo is very popular as a symbol of life, longevity and strength. It stays firmly rooted even in the face of fierce winds. For the Hokkiens, the bamboo plants represent their shelter from the evil demons that terrorised their ancestors during an ancient dark evil era.
The imported plants come from China and Taiwan while the homegrown ones are from Cameron Highlands.
“I will have cherry blossoms, tulips, chrysanthemums and more,” Hong said.
The bazaar, opened since Jan 1, is open from 10am till 11pm daily until the 15th day of Chinese New Year.
For more information, call 016-841 7887 (Jason) or 016-332 2322 (Melvin).
-- The Star Metro
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Pitcher Plants Pretty as a Picture
Pretty as a picture
By Anthony Law
Thursday January 10, 2008
PITCHER plants or “monkey cups”, believed to bring prosperity to the owners, have been keeping Lim Ah Keat and his son busy at their nursery.
Known to thrive well in the jungles, the pitcher plants are now being nurtured via tissue culture at Kooi Lam Nursery at Bercham in Ipoh.
Ah Keat’s son Dared Lim Seck Chai, a Material Science graduate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said he had been helping his father at the nursery with the tissue culture.
“Cultivated from the leaves of the plant, the young tissue matures into the size of an ordinary plant within two months,” said the 29-year-old Seck Chai.
Seck Chai explained that the cups of the pitcher plant attracted and trapped insects, adding that the plants fed on the trapped insects.
However, monkeys in the wild would drink water trapped in the cups, thus giving the pitcher plant the name “monkey cup”, he said, adding that its scientific name was Nepenthes.
Seck Chai said his pitcher plants could live up to 20 years and they were grown in pots at the nursery, which his father had operated for the past 30 years.
Ah Keat, 60, used to supply fruit seedlings and other plants before going into the pitcher plant business.
The nursery has over 10 different species of pitcher plants.
Some of the plants come from Cameron Highlands, the Netherlands, Belgium, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Seck Chai said the pitcher plants were popular especially during the festive season.
“Pitcher is supposed to be a favourable feng shui plant,” he said, adding that his customers would buy the plant for their homes and offices.
“Pitchers are believed to be significant as the cups hold water which means wealth or money,” Seck Chai said.
He said he was first attracted to the cups of the plants and started to grow them commercially.
The plants, which had more pitchers or cups, were considered more valuable, he said.
Ah Keat said the plants were sought after particularly during the Chinese New Year and that he expected a boom in sales.
“Pitcher plants are an endangered species but this can be prevented with the use of tissue culture,” Ah Keat said.
Direct use of fertilisers on the plant would burn the roots of the plant, he said.
“But if you are hard working, you can feed the plant by placing small insects into the cup.” -- The Star Metro
By Anthony Law
Thursday January 10, 2008
Cups of prosperity: Lim Ah Keat admiring the fruits of his labour - beautiful pitcher plants - at his nursery at Bercham, Ipoh.
PITCHER plants or “monkey cups”, believed to bring prosperity to the owners, have been keeping Lim Ah Keat and his son busy at their nursery.
Known to thrive well in the jungles, the pitcher plants are now being nurtured via tissue culture at Kooi Lam Nursery at Bercham in Ipoh.
Ah Keat’s son Dared Lim Seck Chai, a Material Science graduate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said he had been helping his father at the nursery with the tissue culture.
Booming business: Ah Keat and Seck Chai checking the pitcher plants.
“Cultivated from the leaves of the plant, the young tissue matures into the size of an ordinary plant within two months,” said the 29-year-old Seck Chai.
Seck Chai explained that the cups of the pitcher plant attracted and trapped insects, adding that the plants fed on the trapped insects.
However, monkeys in the wild would drink water trapped in the cups, thus giving the pitcher plant the name “monkey cup”, he said, adding that its scientific name was Nepenthes.
Seck Chai said his pitcher plants could live up to 20 years and they were grown in pots at the nursery, which his father had operated for the past 30 years.
Ah Keat, 60, used to supply fruit seedlings and other plants before going into the pitcher plant business.
The nursery has over 10 different species of pitcher plants.
Some of the plants come from Cameron Highlands, the Netherlands, Belgium, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Seck Chai said the pitcher plants were popular especially during the festive season.
“Pitcher is supposed to be a favourable feng shui plant,” he said, adding that his customers would buy the plant for their homes and offices.
“Pitchers are believed to be significant as the cups hold water which means wealth or money,” Seck Chai said.
He said he was first attracted to the cups of the plants and started to grow them commercially.
The plants, which had more pitchers or cups, were considered more valuable, he said.
Ah Keat said the plants were sought after particularly during the Chinese New Year and that he expected a boom in sales.
“Pitcher plants are an endangered species but this can be prevented with the use of tissue culture,” Ah Keat said.
Direct use of fertilisers on the plant would burn the roots of the plant, he said.
“But if you are hard working, you can feed the plant by placing small insects into the cup.” -- The Star Metro
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Rare orchid and new species may be exhibited
Rare orchid and new species may be exhibited
Tuesday August 14, 2007
By Christina Koh
TANAH RATA: A rare orchid and an Amorphophallus species unique to Cameron Highlands might soon go on display once it is proven that they are new discoveries.
Cameron Highlands district officer Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani said they were considering showcasing the plants at the Cameron Highlands Mountain Park in Parit Falls set up by Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) and the Forestry Department.
The park, expected to open this year, will feature mountain flowers, orchids and other plant species, especially those endemic to Cameron Highlands.
“The two plants would be a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity and a valuable attraction for eco-tourists,” Mohamad Noor said.
One of the plants is an Amorphophallus plant recently discovered by a group of scientists led by Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat during a FRIM botanical expedition.
Mohamad Noor said the plants, which came in two variants of purple or white flowers, had been surprisingly found growing near the side of the road at the foot of Gunung Jasar.
“A team from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak is now studying the Amorphophallus plant to determine if it is a new species, and if it could be safely moved to a new habitat,” he said.
He added that the plant could be unique to the highlands, since other Malaysian Amorphophallus species were all usually found in the warmer lowlands.
“In Indonesia, the Amorphophallus plant is called bunga bangkai because of its corpse-like stench. However, the ones in Cameron Highlands are much taller,” he said.
The other new discovery Mohamad Noor was hoping to display is the rare Monomeria orchid, a genus of orchid previously not found anywhere else in Malaysia.
Environmentalists Embi Abdullah, 59, and N. Madi, 52, first came across the orchid last year while trekking in the jungles of the Ruil mountains. -- The Star.
Tuesday August 14, 2007
By Christina Koh
TANAH RATA: A rare orchid and an Amorphophallus species unique to Cameron Highlands might soon go on display once it is proven that they are new discoveries.
Cameron Highlands district officer Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani said they were considering showcasing the plants at the Cameron Highlands Mountain Park in Parit Falls set up by Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) and the Forestry Department.
The park, expected to open this year, will feature mountain flowers, orchids and other plant species, especially those endemic to Cameron Highlands.
“The two plants would be a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity and a valuable attraction for eco-tourists,” Mohamad Noor said.
One of the plants is an Amorphophallus plant recently discovered by a group of scientists led by Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat during a FRIM botanical expedition.
Mohamad Noor said the plants, which came in two variants of purple or white flowers, had been surprisingly found growing near the side of the road at the foot of Gunung Jasar.
“A team from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak is now studying the Amorphophallus plant to determine if it is a new species, and if it could be safely moved to a new habitat,” he said.
He added that the plant could be unique to the highlands, since other Malaysian Amorphophallus species were all usually found in the warmer lowlands.
“In Indonesia, the Amorphophallus plant is called bunga bangkai because of its corpse-like stench. However, the ones in Cameron Highlands are much taller,” he said.
The other new discovery Mohamad Noor was hoping to display is the rare Monomeria orchid, a genus of orchid previously not found anywhere else in Malaysia.
Environmentalists Embi Abdullah, 59, and N. Madi, 52, first came across the orchid last year while trekking in the jungles of the Ruil mountains. -- The Star.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Captivated by Orchids
Captivated by orchids
By Clara Chooi
Tuesday July 17, 2007
Orchids have always fascinated Sin Chan Wah, a farmer in Cameron Highlands.
The 50-year-old farmer from the town of Ringlet was seen fawning over his precious blooms during Clearwater Flora Fest 2007 at the golf resort in Batu Gajah recently.
In fact, Sin’s orchids practically stole the entire show.
Of the 400 entries sent in from across the country for the com- petitive event, Sin’s most treasured orchids clinched both grand titles: Best Plant and Best Species.
Sin’s Paphiopedilum barbatum, better known as the Lady’s Slipper because of its shape, won the show’s Best Plant category, while his pre-cious Stanhopea Jenishiana, a South American breed, won the Best Spe-cies category.
South American breed:Sin admiring his Stanhopea Jenishiana blooms.
Sin said that he purchased the latter at RM80 from a local dealer 18 months ago.
“In fact, it only began flowering not long before the show,” he said.
Sin also won first prize in the Show Plant category for one of his orchids in the Onicidium group.
“I always admired orchids be-cause they are special looking plants. In fact, that was why I got into the orchid business in the first place,” he said.
He added that he first started out in the farming business by growing mushrooms in 1985.
“After a while, I realised the business was not very appropriate for me at the time so I began plant- ing strawberries,” said the father of two.
About three years ago, Sin disco-vered a new passion in orchids and decided to venture into it.
He is currently an orchid hybr-dizer and has his own nursery at Bertam Valley, Ringlet.
“My wife is very much in love with the flowers too. In fact, she devotes much time tending to them,” said Sin.
The flora fest, organised by the golf club in collaboration with the Perak Orchid Society, was held from July 13 to July 15 in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007.
The event saw the participation of 14 orchid vendors across the country as well as the Orchid Society of South East Asia from Singapore and the Taiwan Orchids Grower Association. -- The Star
By Clara Chooi
Tuesday July 17, 2007
Orchids have always fascinated Sin Chan Wah, a farmer in Cameron Highlands.
The 50-year-old farmer from the town of Ringlet was seen fawning over his precious blooms during Clearwater Flora Fest 2007 at the golf resort in Batu Gajah recently.
In fact, Sin’s orchids practically stole the entire show.
Of the 400 entries sent in from across the country for the com- petitive event, Sin’s most treasured orchids clinched both grand titles: Best Plant and Best Species.
Sin’s Paphiopedilum barbatum, better known as the Lady’s Slipper because of its shape, won the show’s Best Plant category, while his pre-cious Stanhopea Jenishiana, a South American breed, won the Best Spe-cies category.
Sin said that he purchased the latter at RM80 from a local dealer 18 months ago.
“In fact, it only began flowering not long before the show,” he said.
Sin also won first prize in the Show Plant category for one of his orchids in the Onicidium group.
“I always admired orchids be-cause they are special looking plants. In fact, that was why I got into the orchid business in the first place,” he said.
He added that he first started out in the farming business by growing mushrooms in 1985.
“After a while, I realised the business was not very appropriate for me at the time so I began plant- ing strawberries,” said the father of two.
About three years ago, Sin disco-vered a new passion in orchids and decided to venture into it.
He is currently an orchid hybr-dizer and has his own nursery at Bertam Valley, Ringlet.
“My wife is very much in love with the flowers too. In fact, she devotes much time tending to them,” said Sin.
The flora fest, organised by the golf club in collaboration with the Perak Orchid Society, was held from July 13 to July 15 in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007.
The event saw the participation of 14 orchid vendors across the country as well as the Orchid Society of South East Asia from Singapore and the Taiwan Orchids Grower Association. -- The Star
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Rare orchid found in Malaysia
Rare orchid found in Malaysia
Wednesday February 21, 2007
IPOH: The mysterious orchid picked up by two environmentalists deep in the jungles of Cameron Highlands has turned out to be the rare Monomeria barbata – a first for Malaysia.
Embi Abdullah, 59, who stumbled across the orchid with his friend while trekking in the Ruil mountains last year, said the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and the French Orchid Society had recently confirmed the genus and species.
Exciting find: Embi examining the orchid, which has been confirmed as ‘Monomeria barbata’.
The Monomeria barbata, first discovered 200 years ago in Nepal and the Eastern Himalayas, grew only in cool weather on treetops some 1,600m to 2,000m above sea level, he said.
“This is an exciting breakthrough for Malaysia because this genus of orchid – the Monomeria – has never been found here before.
“The plant has been recorded in Nepal, north-eastern India, Vietnam and Myanmar, but never in Malaysia,” he added.
“This canopy orchid is also rarely found in the wild even in its countries of origin because of ongoing development now,” said Embi, who has studied orchids for over 15 years.
According to a scientist from FRIM, Embi and his friend N. Madi were not the first to discover the orchid as another Malaysian had brought it back for identification about two or three years ago.
However, this has not damped Embi's excitement as he has been asked by the French Orchid Society to submit a paper describing the Malaysian variant of the flower.
Although the flower is now widely available among orchid enthusiasts in Europe, the Monomeria barbata found in the Cameron Highlands might be unique to Malaysia alone.
“There is a difference between our plant and those in Europe. The colour on the surface of the lip is yellow on theirs, while ours is brown.
“In Europe, the plant is also described as small and miniature but ours is medium-sized,” said Embi. - The Star.
Wednesday February 21, 2007
IPOH: The mysterious orchid picked up by two environmentalists deep in the jungles of Cameron Highlands has turned out to be the rare Monomeria barbata – a first for Malaysia.
Embi Abdullah, 59, who stumbled across the orchid with his friend while trekking in the Ruil mountains last year, said the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and the French Orchid Society had recently confirmed the genus and species.
Exciting find: Embi examining the orchid, which has been confirmed as ‘Monomeria barbata’.
The Monomeria barbata, first discovered 200 years ago in Nepal and the Eastern Himalayas, grew only in cool weather on treetops some 1,600m to 2,000m above sea level, he said.
“This is an exciting breakthrough for Malaysia because this genus of orchid – the Monomeria – has never been found here before.
“The plant has been recorded in Nepal, north-eastern India, Vietnam and Myanmar, but never in Malaysia,” he added.
“This canopy orchid is also rarely found in the wild even in its countries of origin because of ongoing development now,” said Embi, who has studied orchids for over 15 years.
According to a scientist from FRIM, Embi and his friend N. Madi were not the first to discover the orchid as another Malaysian had brought it back for identification about two or three years ago.
However, this has not damped Embi's excitement as he has been asked by the French Orchid Society to submit a paper describing the Malaysian variant of the flower.
Although the flower is now widely available among orchid enthusiasts in Europe, the Monomeria barbata found in the Cameron Highlands might be unique to Malaysia alone.
“There is a difference between our plant and those in Europe. The colour on the surface of the lip is yellow on theirs, while ours is brown.
“In Europe, the plant is also described as small and miniature but ours is medium-sized,” said Embi. - The Star.
Farmer drops veggies for roses
Farmer drops veggies for roses
By Chan Li Leen
Wednesday February 21, 2007
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: A rose is a rose to most people.
A trip to the Rose Centre here, however, might just change one’s mind for this tranquil little garden grows over 100 different types of roses.
According to the centre’s director Chai Keok Chew, few people realise that roses not only came in different colours but also in varying shapes and sizes.
“Some roses have fragrance but even that differs from plant to plant,” said Chai, 55, who loves the sweet-smelling American Rose.
A thing of beauty: Chai admiring one of the many types of roses grown at his centre in Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands recently.
Formerly a vegetable farmer, Chai opened the centre in Kea Farm here some 14 years ago.
“I eventually gave up farming to concentrate on the centre.
“Over the years, I’ve managed to plant more than 100 varieties of roses and over 1,000 types of cacti,” he noted.
Some of the cacti, which he has kept for almost 20 years, have grown beyond the centre’s ceiling.
Although this place is a rose centre, it is filled with other flowers such as the Bird of Paradise, begonia, hibiscus and lavender.
There are a few, such as the Lady’s Shoe and the Jade Vine, which Chai also called the Japanese Blue Butterfly, that are uncommon but extremely special.
Unusual species: Also at Kea Farm is the Lady's Shoe, named so for obvious reasons. —Lew Yong Kan / The Star
“I’m not too sure what is the native country of the Japanese Blue Butterfly but a friend from Australia gave it to me some years back.
“Many rare flowers at the centre were gifts but I also bring them from my overseas trips to cultivate them here,” he added. - The Star.
By Chan Li Leen
Wednesday February 21, 2007
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: A rose is a rose to most people.
A trip to the Rose Centre here, however, might just change one’s mind for this tranquil little garden grows over 100 different types of roses.
According to the centre’s director Chai Keok Chew, few people realise that roses not only came in different colours but also in varying shapes and sizes.
“Some roses have fragrance but even that differs from plant to plant,” said Chai, 55, who loves the sweet-smelling American Rose.
A thing of beauty: Chai admiring one of the many types of roses grown at his centre in Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands recently.
Formerly a vegetable farmer, Chai opened the centre in Kea Farm here some 14 years ago.
“I eventually gave up farming to concentrate on the centre.
“Over the years, I’ve managed to plant more than 100 varieties of roses and over 1,000 types of cacti,” he noted.
Some of the cacti, which he has kept for almost 20 years, have grown beyond the centre’s ceiling.
Although this place is a rose centre, it is filled with other flowers such as the Bird of Paradise, begonia, hibiscus and lavender.
There are a few, such as the Lady’s Shoe and the Jade Vine, which Chai also called the Japanese Blue Butterfly, that are uncommon but extremely special.
Unusual species: Also at Kea Farm is the Lady's Shoe, named so for obvious reasons. —Lew Yong Kan / The Star
“I’m not too sure what is the native country of the Japanese Blue Butterfly but a friend from Australia gave it to me some years back.
“Many rare flowers at the centre were gifts but I also bring them from my overseas trips to cultivate them here,” he added. - The Star.
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