Vanda coerulea  Vanda coerulea, also known as the blue orchid, is native to southeast Asia where it grows at elevations ranging from 2500 to 4000 feet in the Himalayan foothills. Botanist William Griffith’s description of this unusual blue-flowered species in 1847 sparked much excitement amongst orchid enthusiasts and hybridizers, who were eager to add this rare plant to their collections. The resulting unsustainable collection of plants for commercial markets led to rapid decimation of wild populations. In order to protect remaining wild populations, intact habitat is being protected and restrictions on international trade of Vanda coerulea have been enacted. |
