Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosana Christenson 2001

Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosana was first collected from the offshore Orchid Island in 1879. It has pretty white flowers and is native to southern Taiwan and Orchid Island. It won several awards at international flower shows in the US and France during the 1950s. Its popularity was due to its delicate white flowers complemented by green leaves and ease of cultivation. However, Phalaenopsis aphrodite subsp. formosana is now almost extinct in the wild due to over-collection. Only occasionally can a few plants be found growing on trees. Through propagation and conservation of this species, we hope to see it growing on trees once again.