An orchid hybrid has been named after the President and First Lady of the Maldives during their visit to Singapore. The naming ceremony took place at the National Orchid Garden within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The newly named orchid will be displayed in the garden’s “VIP Orchids” collection.
Why This Matters to Orchid Lovers
For those who grow or admire orchids, this gesture is more than a ceremonial honor. It reflects a living tribute where science and diplomacy meet. Orchid hybrids named after dignitaries are carefully bred and cultivated, often taking years to develop. Their inclusion in a public garden means visitors can see these unique blooms up close, connecting horticulture with international relations in a tangible way.
Singapore’s Tradition of VIP Orchids
The National Orchid Garden has a long-standing practice of naming orchid hybrids after visiting state leaders. This tradition began decades ago as a way to mark diplomatic visits with a lasting botanical memorial. Each hybrid is selected for its beauty and resilience, then propagated and displayed in a special section of the garden. Over time, this collection has grown to include orchids named for presidents, prime ministers, and royalty from around the world.
How Orchid Diplomacy Works
Orchid diplomacy uses the flower as a symbol of goodwill and mutual respect. When a leader visits Singapore, the offer to have an orchid named in their honor is a gesture of friendship. The process involves horticulturists creating a new hybrid, often combining traits for color, form, and durability. Once named, the orchid is registered and displayed, serving as a living emblem of the relationship between nations. It is a quiet but enduring form of cultural exchange.
The Visit and the Ceremony
During their time in Singapore, the President and First Lady signed the visitors’ book and received a briefing on the garden’s history and offerings. They toured the grounds, learning about the diversity of species and hybrids on display. The naming ceremony was part of their official itinerary, highlighting the role of botanical gardens in fostering international goodwill. The orchid now bearing their names will remain on view as part of the VIP collection, a permanent reminder of their visit.
The Naming Ceremony Details
The naming ceremony for the orchid hybrid took place during the state visit of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed to Singapore from 29th June to 2nd July 2025. The President and First Lady signed the visitors’ book at the National Orchid Garden and received a briefing on the garden’s history and collections. The ceremony was conducted as part of their official itinerary, reflecting the garden’s long-standing practice of honouring visiting dignitaries through botanical nomenclature. The newly named orchid has been registered and will be displayed in the VIP Orchids collection at the National Orchid Garden.
About the National Orchid Garden
The National Orchid Garden is situated within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, located on the highest hill in the gardens’ Central Core. It was officially opened on 20 October 1995 by Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The garden spans three hectares of landscaped slopes and features over 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids, with approximately 600 species and hybrids on public display at any given time. The garden maintains a special section dedicated to hybrids named after visiting state leaders, a tradition that has been in place for decades to commemorate diplomatic visits with living memorials.
Sources
Based on: presidency.gov.mv · Wikipedia. Written and checked by the Orkpedia editors.