The Huntington Receives National Award for Most Outstanding Orchid

San Marino, CA, November 15, 2016 (Newswire.com) - The Huntington’s orchid collection spans a vast array of genera, species and hybrids—everything from Aerangis to Zygopetalum.  But one flower in particular—the best of the best—caught the collective eye of the American Orchid Society’s (AOS) judges at its Fall 2016 Members Meeting held in conjunction with The Huntington’s Second Annual International Orchid Show and Sale.  The AOS gave its highest award, the Merritt W. Huntington (no relation) Award, to The Huntington to recognize its Paphiopedilum micranthum ‘Huntington’s Perfection’ FCC/AOS.

AOS awards are a recognized measure of quality the world over and coveted by hobbyists and commercial growers alike. The Merritt W. Huntington Award is given to the grower of an orchid that is regarded as the most outstanding flower among those that have been awarded a First Class Certificate during the preceding calendar year.

Receiving the Huntington Award was particularly rewarding for Brandon Tam, the orchid collection specialist at The Huntington and the orchid show chair. “It was a great honor and a surprise,” he said.  “And it’s a tribute to the volunteers who help me nurture the orchid collection week in and week out.”

About The Huntington

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is a collections-based research and educational institution serving scholars and the general public. More information about The Huntington can be found at huntington.org. 

About the American Orchid Society

The American Orchid Society promotes and supports the appreciation of orchids through education, conservation, and research initiatives to improve the outlook for orchids around the globe.

News Media Contact Info:

Brandon Tam
Orchid Collection Specialist
(626) 405-3568
[email protected]
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road

Dr. Ron McHatton
Chief Education & Science Officer​
[email protected]
The American Orchid Society
at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, FL 33156

Source: The American Orchid Society