Author: Orkpedia Editors

The festival ran from Saturday 7 February to Sunday 8 March 2026 in the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens, London. It marked the 30th anniversary of the annual event and highlighted China’s biodiversity, heritage and long-standing scientific collaboration between Kew and Chinese botanists.

Displays inspired by Chinese culture

Visitors entered through a snake-inspired archway, reflecting that 2025 was the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. Inside, they passed lanterns, arches of good wishes and a moon gate before reaching the central pond. There, a large Chinese dragon wound across the water, made from lotus seed heads, orchid plants and dried leaves. Nine koi carp, crafted from ginkgo leaves and other plant material, swam through a smaller pond, symbolising luck and success. The display also featured representations of pandas and thousands of native Chinese orchids native to China’s diverse habitats.

A journey through symbolism

The festival’s path guided visitors through meaningful cultural symbols. The snake-inspired entrance acknowledged the previous year’s zodiac sign, while the exit archway bore a horse, honouring 2026 as the Year of the Horse. These details connected the botanical displays to Chinese tradition, creating a narrative experience that blended horticulture with cultural storytelling. The use of plant materials to form animals and symbols showed how creativity and botany could come together in thoughtful ways.

Native orchids and global collaboration

Surrounding the central displays were thousands of orchid species native to China, showcasing the country’s rich floral diversity. This emphasis on native plants highlighted Kew’s ongoing work with Chinese botanists to study, conserve and understand orchid species in their natural habitats. The festival served as a public reflection of decades of scientific partnership, bringing attention to both the beauty and ecological importance of these plants.

Evening access and wider access

Orchids After Hours evenings ran on selected Friday and Saturday nights in February, offering adults a chance to see the displays after dark. During these sessions, the flowers were atmospherically backlit, accompanied by live dance performances and music inspired by China, along with opportunities to sample Chinese cuisine and cocktails. Entry to the festival was included with standard admission to Kew Gardens, with a £1 entry option available for recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Legacy Benefits and asylum applicants, helping to make the event accessible to more people.

Floral dragons and koi carp

The festival’s centrepiece was a Chinese dragon made from lotus seed heads, orchid plants and dried leaves, winding across the central pond in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. This display symbolised strength and good fortune in Chinese culture. Nearby, nine koi carp were crafted from ginkgo leaves and plant material, arranged to appear as if swimming through a smaller pond. These koi represented luck and success, continuing a tradition of using botanical materials to depict meaningful animals in Chinese symbolism.

Panda displays and cultural symbols

Among the floral arrangements were sculptures of giant pandas, created using orchids and other plant materials to reflect China’s iconic wildlife. These panda displays added to the festival’s focus on representing Chinese biodiversity through horticulture. Visitors also passed through lantern-lit pathways and arches bearing traditional good wishes, including a moon gate, which is a common feature in Chinese gardens symbolising unity and harmony. The journey through the conservatory began with a snake-inspired archway, acknowledging 2025 as the Year of the Snake, and concluded with the horse-adorned archway marking 2026 as the Year of the Horse.

Scientific collaboration and conservation

The festival highlighted Kew Gardens’ long-term scientific partnership with Chinese botanists, particularly in the study and conservation of native orchid species. Thousands of orchids native to China were displayed throughout the conservatory, emphasizing the country’s floral diversity and the importance of protecting these species in their natural habitats. The event served as a public showcase of decades of joint research, combining horticultural display with scientific outreach to raise awareness about orchid conservation.

Orchids After Hours and accessibility

Orchids After Hours took place on selected Friday and Saturday evenings in February 2026, offering adult visitors an after-dark experience within the Princess of Wales Conservatory. During these sessions, the orchid displays were enhanced with atmospheric backlighting, live dance performances, and music inspired by Chinese traditions. Attendees also had the opportunity to sample Chinese cuisine and cocktails. Entry to the festival was included with standard admission to Kew Gardens, and a reduced £1 entry fee was available for recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Legacy Benefits, and asylum applicants, supporting broader access to the event.

Sources

Based on: kew.org · londonist.com. Written and checked by the Orkpedia editors.

Hong Kong wildlife protection authorities recorded 23 cases of smuggled orchids between the start of 2026 and February 1, when demand for the plants began to rise ahead of Lunar New Year. The increase in smuggling attempts was linked to the seasonal tradition of giving orchids as gifts and using them for home decoration during the festival. Authorities noted that the number of cases was expected to grow as the holiday approached, reflecting a recurring pattern tied to cultural practices and market demand.

Orchids are popular during Lunar New Year because they symbolize elegance, refinement, and good fortune in many Asian cultures. Their long-lasting blooms and association with prosperity make them a favored choice for gifts and festive displays. This cultural significance drives higher demand in the weeks leading up to the holiday, creating opportunities for illegal trade when legal supply cannot keep pace or when buyers seek rare or unusual varieties not available through regulated channels.

What CITES Means for Orchid Trade

CITES, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is an international agreement designed to ensure that trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. For orchids, this means that moving certain species across borders requires special permits to prove they were obtained legally and sustainably. Without these documents, transporting orchids — even for personal use — can violate the law and contribute to the decline of wild populations.

Why Smuggling Happens Despite the Rules

Smuggling occurs when individuals attempt to bypass permit requirements, often to avoid delays, costs, or restrictions tied to legal import processes. Some buyers may not be aware that the orchids they seek are protected, while others knowingly pursue rare or wild-collected species that are difficult or impossible to obtain through legal nurseries. In early 2026, Macau Customs reported discovering orchids in private vehicles, including batches weighing 27kg, 25kg, and 10kg, suggesting that some attempts involved significant quantities meant for resale or distribution.

How Buyers Can Choose Legal Orchids

To ensure an orchid is legal, buyers should purchase from reputable nurseries, garden centers, or florists that can provide proof of legal origin. Legally traded orchids typically come with labels or documentation indicating they were propagated in cultivation, not taken from the wild. Asking sellers about the plant’s source and whether it complies with CITES regulations is a simple but effective step. Choosing artificially propagated orchids helps protect wild populations while still allowing enthusiasts to enjoy these beautiful plants during Lunar New Year and beyond.

Hong Kong Authorities Report Rise in Smuggled Orchid Cases

Hong Kong wildlife protection authorities recorded 23 cases of smuggled orchids between the start of 2026 and February 1, 2026, according to the South China Morning Post. Officials noted that the number of cases was expected to increase ahead of Lunar New Year, when demand for orchids as festive gifts and decorations typically rises.

Orchids Protected Under International Trade Rules

Orchids are protected under CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which regulates the global trade of certain plant and animal species to prevent overexploitation. Under CITES, moving orchids across international borders requires valid permits to confirm they were obtained legally and sustainably.

Macau Customs Seizes Large Quantities of Orchids in Early 2026

Macau Customs reported discovering orchids in private vehicles during January and February 2026. The seized shipments included batches weighing 27kg, 25kg, and 10kg, found in separate vehicles. These discoveries indicated that some smuggling attempts involved substantial quantities, potentially intended for resale or distribution rather than personal use.

Sources

Based on: scmp.com. Written and checked by the Orkpedia editors.

New orchid species discovered in Kanthalloor, Kerala

A new orchid species has been found in Kanthalloor, located in the Marayoor area of Idukki district in Kerala. The plant belongs to the Diplozentrum genus and has been named Diplozentrum papillosum. It was discovered by a team of researchers from various institutions in the state. The discovery was reported in January 2026 and has since been highlighted as the cover story in a scientific journal.

What makes this orchid unique

Diplozentrum papillosum stands out due to its distinct flower features. It produces unbranched flower clusters with pink and white blooms. The petals have a special shape that differentiates it from other orchids in the same genus. The flowers are also fragrant, adding to their visual appeal. These characteristics together make it easily identifiable as a new species.

Where it grows and how it survives

This orchid grows on rocks and tree branches, a habit that helps it access light and moisture in its environment. It has strong roots that anchor it firmly, allowing it to endure strong winds common in its habitat. This adaptation is important for survival in the exposed, hilly terrain where it was found. Its ability to thrive in such conditions reflects its resilience.

Why the Western Ghats matter for orchids

The Western Ghats, especially the southern ranges, are known as a hotspot for orchid diversity. The Diplozentrum genus itself is found only in this region, highlighting the area’s ecological significance. The varied climate, elevation, and forest types create ideal conditions for many plant species, including rare and endemic orchids. Discoveries like this one underscore the importance of preserving these habitats.

Who found it and where it was published

The discovery was made by a team including Dr Jose Mathew from SD College in Alappuzha, A K Pradeep from Ramapuram in Pala, Mathew Jose Mathew of Jonas Orchidarium in Vandiperiyar, and Salim Pichan from the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Kalpetta. Their work was published as the cover story in the latest issue of the scientific journal Species, bringing attention to the find in both scientific and local communities.

Physical features of the flower

The flowers of Diplozentrum papillosum are pink and white in color, with a fragrant scent that adds to their appeal. The petals are distinctly shaped, contributing to the plant’s visual uniqueness. The flower clusters are unbranched, a trait that helps differentiate it from other species in the Diplozentrum genus. These combined features make the orchid easily identifiable as a new species.

Habitat and growth adaptations

The orchid grows on rocks and tree branches, which allows it to access light and moisture effectively in its environment. It possesses strong roots that anchor it firmly to these surfaces, enabling it to withstand strong winds common in the hilly, exposed terrain of its habitat. This adaptation is crucial for its survival in such conditions and reflects the plant’s resilience.

Ecological importance of the Western Ghats

The southern ranges of the Western Ghats are recognized as a hotspot for orchid biodiversity. The Diplozentrum genus is endemic to this region, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. The area’s varied climate, elevation gradients, and forest types support a wide range of plant life, including many rare and endemic species. The discovery of Diplozentrum papillosum further emphasizes the ecological value of preserving these habitats.

Research team and publication details

The discovery was made by a collaborative team consisting of Dr Jose Mathew from SD College in Alappuzha, A K Pradeep from Ramapuram in Pala, Mathew Jose Mathew of Jonas Orchidarium in Vandiperiyar, and Salim Pichan from the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Kalpetta. Their findings were published as the cover story in the most recent issue of the scientific journal Species, which helped bring the discovery to wider scientific and public attention.

Sources

Based on: onmanorama.com. Written and checked by the Orkpedia editors.

Scientists at Kew and their partners named a ‘bloodstained’ orchid from Ecuador as one of the top new species discovered in 2025. The orchid grows in the high Andean forests of Ecuador, where it lives on daisy trees. It attracts pollinators by mimicking the appearance of female flies. This discovery was part of a larger effort that saw 190 new plants and fungi named to science in 2025, including 125 plants and 65 fungi.

Why naming a species matters

Naming a species is the first step in protecting it. When scientists give a plant or fungus a formal name, it becomes recognized by the global scientific community. This recognition allows conservationists to assess its risk of extinction and take action to protect its habitat. Without a name, a species cannot be properly studied or included in conservation efforts. Kew emphasizes that many newly named species are already under threat, making the naming process urgent and vital.

The fly-mimicking orchid from Ecuador

The ‘bloodstained’ orchid from Ecuador stands out for its unusual pollination strategy. It does not rely on scent or nectar to attract pollinators. Instead, its flower looks like a female fly, tricking male flies into attempting to mate with it. During this process, the flies pick up pollen and transfer it to other flowers. This mimicry is a rare adaptation in the plant world. The orchid grows on daisy trees in the high Andean forests, a habitat that is increasingly under pressure from climate change and land use.

New orchids from New Guinea and Maluku

Alongside the Ecuadorian orchid, six new orchid species were described from Indonesian New Guinea and Maluku. These islands are known for their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The orchids found there vary in shape, color, and habitat, reflecting the region’s complex ecology. Like the Ecuadorian species, many of these new orchids are likely to be rare or localized, making them vulnerable to habitat loss. Their discovery highlights the importance of continued botanical exploration in tropical regions.

How scientists name new species

When a scientist believes they have found a new species, they must first study it in detail. They compare it to known species to confirm it is truly different. This involves examining physical features, genetics, and habitat. Once confident, they write a formal description that includes the species’ characteristics, where it was found, and how it differs from relatives. They then propose a scientific name, usually in Latin, following international rules. The name is published in a scientific journal, making it official. This process ensures that every species has a unique and universally accepted identifier.

Kew’s 2025 species discoveries

Kew scientists and partners named 190 new plants and fungi to science in 2025, comprising 125 plants and 65 fungi. This total reflects the ongoing work of botanical exploration and taxonomic research conducted by Kew and its international collaborators. The figure is drawn from Kew’s annual assessment of newly described species published in scientific literature during the year.

Threat status of newly named species

Kew stresses that many newly named species are already threatened by habitat loss, climate change, or other pressures. The organization emphasizes that naming a species is the first step toward assessing its conservation status and implementing protective measures. This principle applies to the Ecuadorian orchid and the six new orchids from Indonesian New Guinea and Maluku, all of which are considered likely to be rare or localized.

Geographic focus of discoveries

The discoveries span multiple regions, with notable contributions from the high Andean forests of Ecuador and the islands of Indonesian New Guinea and Maluku. These areas are recognized for their high levels of endemism and biodiversity, making them priorities for botanical survey work. The orchid species from Ecuador grows specifically on daisy trees in montane forest habitats, while the Indonesian orchids reflect the ecological diversity of tropical island ecosystems.

Role of scientific naming in conservation

According to Kew, the formal description and naming of a species creates a baseline for monitoring, research, and conservation action. Without a recognized scientific name, a species cannot be assessed for extinction risk, included in protected area planning, or targeted for habitat management. The publication of a name in a peer-reviewed journal is required for it to be valid under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.

Sources

Based on: kew.org. Written and checked by the Orkpedia editors.