A Botanist in Borneo; Hugh Low’s Sarawak Journals 1844 – 1846

At the time I formerly sent it to you I remember having said that I expected something very magnificent in its flower, and sure I am that when it produces its spikes of flowers in England it will be the admiration of all cultivators, probably beyond any Orchid that has ever appeared. As I saw it nothing could have exceeded it in beauty; about 200 of its branches were hanging horizontally from the main stem of a large tree, from each of which depended two, three or four chains of flowers, 10 feet in length, and sometimes 12 feet. The individual flowers are upwards of 3 inches in diameter. When they first open the ground colour is pale lemon colour, barred and blotched with bands and spots of the richest cinnamon; as they become older the cinnamon colour gradually diminishes in size; the yellow become richer and more brilliant, and takes the place formerly occupied by the more dull but not less rich tint; the stem and foot-stalks of the flower are covered with a rich downy coating of moss, similar to that of the Rose; the labellum is shaded, cinnamon and purple; the leaves are of a light green colour and leathery texture, similar in shope to those of Aerides odoratum, as far as I recollect; but more stiff and erect; the whole habit of the plant is as neat as the rest of those of the same tribe. The roots are large, but by no means so thick as in some of the continental Indian Vandas. It delights in high trees and on the banks of rivers, thick forests and other humid places.’ [BBooks notes]: Obviously the orchid to end all orchids (200 simultaneously flowering stems!) this quote from the book shows Hugh Low’s gift for observation and also his sense of beauty.