THE magnificence of a tiger orchid grown by an Orang Asli from Gua Musang, Kelantan, has drawn many offers after it bloomed for the second time since 2018.
Razali Ayeh cultivated the rare Grammatophyllum speciosum that he found in the forest in 2011.
It holds deep personal value for him, making his refusal to sell no surprise.
The smallholder from Kampung Redip told Bernama: “The residents and I were very excited waiting for it to bloom.
“When it does, it becomes one of the attractions in the village, which often has visitors due to the local homestays.
“Some visitors ask to buy it, but I will not sell because I am attached to it.
“It is also not easy to find as it usually grows on trees,” he said, adding that he found it on the ground while he was in the jungle near Pos Hau.
Razali said the orchid was relatively easy to care for.
“I didn’t plant it in a pot because I wanted it to have plenty of space to grow.
“After more than a decade, it grew into a large cluster from a single stem.
“To ensure it thrives, I’ve placed it in a sunny spot,” he added.
The native species is known locally as sugarcane orchid because of its long, segmented stems.
