MANILA, Philippines?The late former President Corazon ?Cory? Aquino was a plant lover.

She also readily accepted our invitations to be the guest of honor at the exhibits of the Philippine Orchid Society, Philippine Bonsai Society and Philippine Horticultural Society?an expression of her support for the development of an eco-friendly environment.

During the visit of the President of Spain, who is also a plant lover and bonsai enthusiast, she gifted him with bonsai plants.

Senator Benigno ?Noynoy? Aquino III said that his mother?s prized bonsai plants would be relocated to the Aquino residence in Tarlac. After her Palace tenure, President Aquino became a constant gardener.

For her concern for the importance of plants in the greening of the environment as well as her courage and determination to save our country from political chaos, former Justice Secretary Hernando Perez thought of developing the orchid Blc. (Brassolaeliocattleya) Cory Aquino.

To make the name of a plant or orchid official, a new hybrid must be developed, according to Perez, whose passion is growing and breeding orchids, especially cattleyas.

An active member of the Philippine Orchid Society, Perez once told this writer that he made more money as an orchid raiser than a legislator.

Engaging in his passion is his way of relaxation, and he feels truly rewarded when he receives awards and trophies for his winning orchids.

How it was done

The breeding of orchids and other plants is done not only to perpetuate and/or improve a species but also to honor a person with achievements worth emulating.

As a tribute to Cory Aquino, this writer would like to share with everyone how Perez developed the orchid named after her.

Cattleya Cory Aquino was pollinated on February 17, 2000.

The Blc. Mem. Benigno Aquino, a yellow cattleya serving as the ?mother? that develops seeds, was cross-pollinated with Blc. Malvarosa Jade, which has a shade of green and serves as the ?father? where the pollen grains come from.

Both ?parents? bear long-lasting flowers with thick, leathery petals?a desirable characteristic worth breeding.

Perez said two colors came out of the siblings of the cross?some yellow and others exhibiting various shades of green.

Cattleya Cory Aquino was officially registered on November 11, 2004.

In August 2007, during the Philippine Orchid Society?s Orchid and Garden Show, it was proclaimed the Best Philippine Hybrid.

Registration

To make the cross authentic and officially recognized by all orchid breeders throughout the world, the hybrid should be registered with the Royal Horticultural Society of London.

If the cross has not yet been done by any orchid raiser, then it will be recorded officially in the book of orchid hybrids which is published annually. If anyone attempts to cross the same parents again, or if it had been done before but was not registered, it will no longer be recognized.

However, any grower is allowed to cross the same parents and propagate the result. Still, all the siblings have to be labeled Blc. Cory Aquino.

Tissue culture

If one wants to propagate Blc. Cory Aquino by the thousands, the best way to do it is through tissue culture.

Orchid breeders are allowed to name their hybrids for any man or woman of eminent stature.

A new hybrid which is duly recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society of London, most especially if it has all the good characteristics of a top award winner, commands a high price. More so if it carries the name of a very important and renowned personality such as Cory Aquino, the champion of democracy in the Philippines and the first woman President of the Philippines.

If you want to know more about Cattleya Cory Aquino and other orchid hybrids, visit the Orchid and Garden Show at the sunken garden fronting Quezon City Hall, corner East Avenue and Elliptical Road. The show ends on September 7.

(The author writes on gardening, plants and flowers and other related concerns, and is a frequent lecturer on bonsai and ikebana in garden clubs all over the country.)