Grammatophyllum multiflorum var. multiflorum

Flower Field, Flower Dome

Grammatophyllum multiflorum var. multiflorum is an impressive tropical orchid belonging to the family Orchidaceae, one of the largest families of flowering plants with approximately 30,000 known species. It is part of the genus Grammatophyllum, which comprises only 13 species, including the famous tiger orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum), widely recognised as the largest orchid species in the world by plant size and weight, with specimens reaching up to two tonnes and bearing stems up to 7.6m in length. Grammatophyllum multiflorum var. multiflorum is native to the Philippines, where it grows naturally in warm, humid tropical forests as a pseudobulbous epiphyte.

Like many members of the genus, G. multiflorum var. multiflorum grows primarily as an epiphyte, attaching itself to the trunks and branches of large trees. Rather than drawing nutrients from its host, it uses the tree solely for support while its thick, spreading roots absorb moisture, minerals, and organic matter from rainwater and decomposing debris. This growth habit allows the plant to occupy brighter positions within the forest canopy without competing for space on the forest floor.

This large and heat-loving epiphytic orchid that develops pseudobulbs approximately 15 cm in length. Each mature pseudobulb supports about four thick, smooth, oblanceolate leaves with pointed tips, providing the plant with ample photosynthetic capacity. During late spring and summer, mature pseudobulbs produce long, arching inflorescences from their base, often reaching up to 1.5 metres in length. Each flower spike may bear over 100 blooms, creating a spectacular cascading display. Individual flowers measure approximately 5 cm across and are prized for their waxy texture and longevity.

The defining feature of this variety lies in its unique flower colour. The more common form, Grammatophyllum multiflorum var. tigrinum, bears yellow flowers heavily marked with dark brown blotches, giving them a leopard-like appearance. In contrast, G. multiflorum var. multiflorum lacks these brown pigments, resulting in flowers of a uniform chartreuse-green colour. This uncommon colour variation, combined with its high flower count and long-lasting blooms, makes it all the more impressive!

However, in an interesting taxonomic twist, the rarer yellow form is considered to be the type variety of the species, so it bears the type variety designation of the species: Grammatophyllum multiflorum var. multiflorum. The more common brown and yellow variety of which the yellow variety is likely a mutation from has a different variety name: Grammatophyllum multiflorum var. tigrinum, for its brown markings!

Come check out this chartreuse beauty at the Orchid Extravaganza floral display at Flower Dome, from now till 10 August 2026!

This article is part of our What's Blooming series.