Orchids at the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley

It’s easy to spend a whole day enjoying the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley. Established in 1890, it has one of the largest and most diverse plant collections in the country, spread over 34 acres (13.8 hectares) of gardens and greenhouses. Among the botanical treasures, there are many unusual __orchid species, which are rotated through the displays as they come into bloom. These beauties were a few of the highlights of our visit last month.

Masdevallia ignea, __orchid species, red orange and yellow flower, Univ. of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, inside orchid Fern & Carnivorous Plant HouseBulbophyllum species, red yellow and purple cluster of flowers, Univ. of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, inside orchid Fern & Carnivorous Plant HouseDendrochilum glumaceum, orchid species, long chains of fragrant white flowers, Univ. of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, inside orchid Fern & Carnivorous Plant House

Porroglossum teaguei, mini orchid species, purple and white flowers, Univ. of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, inside orchid Fern & Carnivorous Plant HouseOrnithidium coccineum, orchid species, light red flowers and buds, Univ. of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, inside orchid Fern & Carnivorous Plant HouseMasdevallia bicolor, orchid species, reddish-purple and yellow flowers, Univ. of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, inside orchid Fern & Carnivorous Plant House

Most of the orchids are displayed in the Orchid, Fern & Carnivorous Plant House. There are some in the Tropical House, too. The final photo shows a Chinese Ground orchid outdoors in the Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden. This Asian species has long been used as an herbal remedy.

The garden also features an extensive collection of California native species, many unusual varieties of cacti and succulents, and plants from areas of the world with Mediterranean climates. It’s all incredibly gorgeous, and well worth a visit.

Dendrobium spectabile, orchid species, reddish-purple white and yellow flowers with twisted and contorted petals, close-up of flower lip and column, Univ. of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, inside orchid Fern & Carnivorous Plant HouseLaelia anceps, orchid species, purple yellow and white flowers, Univ. of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, inside orchid Fern & Carnivorous Plant HouseBletilla striata, Chinese Ground Orchid, orchid species, purple yellow and white flowers, Univ. of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley, in the Chinese Medical Herb Garden

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