Plaza hosts largest orchid show in country

Nasir Jiwa

More than 30,000 orchid plants from nearly 10 countries spanning four

continents will be flaunting their flowers for orchid enthusiasts

this weekend at South Coast Plaza.

The largest orchid show in the United States -- and the second

largest in the world after Tokyo’s show -- “The Fascination of

Orchids” typically attracts more than 100,000 visitors. The event’s

organizers hope to dispel the myth that orchids are only found deep

in the tropics.

“Orange County is one of the greatest places in the world to grow

orchids. From Santa Barbara all the way down to San Diego, we have

the best climate for orchids,” said event co-chairman Tony Glinskas.

More than 70 vendors will be presenting their global foliage.

A group of 130 accredited judges will evaluate almost 100 floral

displays, which will culminate with an awards ceremony at 8 p.m.

Saturday at the “Hall of Honors” on the third floor of the shopping

center’s west wing near the Macy’s Home Store.

Orchids are one of the largest and most diverse types of flowering

plants. There are an estimated 25,000 different variations mostly

found, but not limited to, the tropical regions of Asia and the South

and Central Americas.

Most orchids consist of a slender, graceful stem from which

flowers with large, but few, petals emerge.

The varieties in orchid flowers are unparalleled by any other

flowering plant. Some orchids only grow one flower in their entire

lifetime, while others can sprout hundreds.

The show will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 8

p.m. Sunday at the plaza, at Bear Street and South Coast Drive.