The furan orchid, once only available to those of the ruling class in Japan, is now sought-after across the globe. What makes this species, threatened with extinction, so popular?
Found across South Eastern China, South Korea and Japan, the fragrance of Vanda falcata flowers -- also known as 'furan' in Japanese -- activates at dusk, releasing scents reminiscent of jasmine and orange blossom.
Vanda falcata (formerly known as Neofinetia falcata) is called 'furan' in Japan. Photo credit: Orchid Web
This fascination with furan orchids dates back more than 400 years in Japan, when they became a symbol of wealth and nobility during the Edo Era. The 11th Tokugawa Shogun (a supreme military leader in pre-modern Japan) became particularly fond of this species, which led the feudal lords serving the Shogun to search far and wide for the most unique Vanda falcata plants to present to the Shogun. During this period, the cost of one Fuukiran plant was equivalent to that of a single-family home with a garden.
Their great economic and societal value meant that people placed great importance in protecting them: one collected, they were covered with a silver or gold net and the individuals lucky enough to view them had to cover their mouths with 'kaishi', a thin paper usually used for calligraphy, to prevent their breath from contaminating the plants!
Appreciation for these orchids spread beyond the court. However, due to their price and increasing rarity, they were only available to those of the upper class, such as aristocrats and doctors.
This widespread collecting and breeding of Vanda falcata orchids gave rise to hundreds of varieties. There are now more than 2,200 registered varieties of this single species of orchid, each of which differs slightly in its leaf forms, colours, and flowers. Many of these orchid varieties have been given names -- those that are officially recognised are called 'fuukiran', meaning 'orchid loved by rich and noble people'. Fuukiran are considered to most beautiful and unusual of Vanda falcata varieties, however, certain conditions must be met before The Japanese Fuukiran Society will register a particular variety: the same variation must persist for years and the physical characteristics must be clearly different from other recognised varieties.
The Japanese Fuukiran Society, which handles the registration of fuukiran, also produce the 'Meikan Chart', an extensive ranking system for the different varieties. Topping the chart for over a century is fukiden -- the 'King of Fuukiran' -- highly desired for the ruby red tips on its roots.
A typical display at a fuukiran exhibition.
Photo credit: Botany Boy
Japan's craze for Fuukiran eventually died down during the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912), when elements of European and American culture were introduced into Japan, and more brightly coloured tropical orchids gained popularity. In spite of this, dedicated Fuukiran lovers have persisted and in 1973, 200 Fuukiran collectors from all over the country gathered to showcase their Vanda falcata plants during the Artistic Fuuran Exhibition in Osaka.
Since then, the popularity of furan orchids has steadily increased, spreading to Korea, Europe, and the US. Fuukiran shows, or 'ran ten', continue to take place across Japan. Plants are displayed according to a strict presentation policy -- plants must be presented in special glazed pots and planted in a mound of long fibre sphagnum moss.
However, this long and ongoing history of obsession and trade of Fuukiran has come at a high cost to the species. Vanda falcata is classified as vulnerable with extinction in Japan's IUCN Red List -- indeed, over 70% of Japan's native orchid species are endangered. In Korea, illegal trade has left only 2 wild populations and the species is protected as an endangered species.
Conservation efforts are underway in Korea, where conservationists have planted seedlings at an undisclosed location in an effort to restore wild populations. This provides hope that Japan may be able to restore their own furan orchid populations in the future -- efforts that benefit such a long-treasured and unique orchid species.