Sponsorship from the Sultanate of Oman for Chelsea




Eulophia guineensis grows in the
mountain forests of Oman

 The Society is delighted to welcome sponsorship from the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism for this year's Chelsea exhibit. A beautiful and exotic country, Oman has much to offer those wishing to explore its native flora and fauna, along with a wide variety of diverse experiences for its visitors.

A number of orchids are native to Oman, including Eulophia guineensis, Eulophia petersii, Habenaria myodes and Habenaria malacophylla.

For thousands of years orchids have captivated mankind with their exotic beauty but they have also been believed to have medicinal, almost magical, properties. Eulophia guineensis and Eulophia petersii are both used medicinally. The pseudobulbs are broken off at the base and this broken end is heated in a fire until blackened and the sap starts to flow. This sap is rubbed over skin complaints and sores, eczema, fungal infections etc.

Habenaria myodes and Habenaria malacophylla have edible tubers and were eaten raw or, preferably, slowly cooked. They were regarded as being ‘hunger food’ for hard times only, as they
cause inflammation and irritation.

A new Botanic Garden is being created near Muscat, Oman’s capital, and will endeavour to display the entire flora of the Sultanate, including
native orchids such as Eulophia guineensis. This orchid has attractive
pink and white flowers with the extravagant ‘lip’, or modified petal,
which is characteristic of most orchids.

For further information about tourism in the Sultanate of Oman,
please visit: www.omantourism.gov.om