Vanda sanderiana is a species of orchid. It is commonly called Waling-waling in the Philippines and is also called Sander's Vanda, after Henry Frederick Conrad Sander, a noted orchidologist. The orchid is considered to be the "Queen of Philippine flowers" and is worshiped as a diwata by the indigenous Bagobo people.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

The leaves are strap shaped.

Generative characteristics

The erect inflorescence bears 8–12 flowers with broad, flat sepals and petals.

Taxonomy

It was first published as Esmeralda sanderiana Rchb.f. by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1882. It was transferred to the genus Vanda R.Br. as Vanda sanderiana (Rchb.f.) Rchb.f. published by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1882. It is placed in Vanda sect. Roeblingiana.

Varieties

The Philippine Orchid Society, which incorporates an image of the flower in its logo, states that the species has three varieties:

Distribution

Vanda sanderiana is endemic to Mindanao in the provinces of Davao, Cotabato, and Zamboanga where it is found on the trunks of dipterocarp trees at elevations below 500 meters. Over-collected, the plant is considered rare in nature. It is often used in hybridization.

Use

Symbolism

In 2004, a motion was filed in the House of Representatives of the Philippines to declare the Waling-waling as the country's national flower, replacing the Sampaguita. In 2013, a bill was passed by the Philippine Senate declaring the Waling-waling as a national flower alongside the Sampaguita. However, the House Bill 5655 was vetoed by President Benigno Aquino III citing that other means were available to promote the protection and preservation of the orchid without declaring it a second national flower.