Located just 25 minutes from the airport, one mile off the Hana Highway adjacent to Maui's very special rainforest and her famous steep coastal slopes on the North side of Haleakala, the area is called Ulumalu.
The old Portuguese word "ulumalu" means the undulating hills that surround Fragrant Orchids' nursery. Here, the geography keeps natural cloud formations from being pushed out to sea, and the resulting moisture and cool mountain air is splendid for intermediate and cool growing plants. Orchids can be found growing on trees throughout Fragrant Orchids of Maui's pristine acreage. Nursery Visits, Maps and Directions.
Measuring 20' diameter and 15' in height, the beautiful Grammatophyllum above was taken off a tree in a northern Thailand forest many years ago, and planted in Maui's red earth where it adapted and has matured into the largest orchid plant on the island.
Grammatophylum speciosum, from Northern Thailand, is considered the largest plant in the orchid phylum. The long octopus branches measure over 15' from one side to the other. The story goes that when discovered in the 1800's, workers climbed up tall palm trees in which the ancient species rested seeking sun in the forest. They removed part, which fell to the ground upon the chief explorer killing him.
Our local islanders remember their youth when the fragrance and beauty of 'honohono' flowers carried fond memories. Originally a species from the Phillipines, Den. anosmum has many large fragrant flowers in rich colors. At the end of the blooming season, the bloomed-out canes can be cut off, and if watered weekly will sprout new plants (keiki) within months on these, while the mother plant grows new larger canes. After one blooming season, plants with 4-6 canes have the potential to produce over a dozen keiki in the next season. Six and seven year old plants have several very healthy canes, and bloom in spring.
Also developed by Lloyd Fischel, Lanikai Farms is a spectacular fish breeding facility that enhances your visit to Fragrant Orchids with a delightful expanded tour. Visit Lanikai Farms or learn about Lloyd Fischel.
