64th Annual Pacific Orchid Exposition Explores History, Tradition and Folklore with “A Legacy of Orchids”

(San Francisco, Calif., Oct.5, 2015) — The 2016 Pacific Orchid Exposition, taking place February 26-28 at Fort Mason in San Francisco, has chosen “A Legacy of Orchids” as the theme for its 64th annual show.

Orchids are one of the oldest plant species and date back thousands of years. Their legacy and importance in society throughout history have been noted in the Aras Pacis of Ancient Rome and in the Materia Medica, which is the oldest known Chinese pharmaceutical text.

The plant has long been a symbol of refinement, wildness and exotic discoveries, but it also represents more than just an object of beauty. For many, orchids hold special
memories while others can be remnants of places and native ecosystems which sadly have been lost.

The historical significance of orchids can be further depicted in the Angraceum sesquipedale (pictured above) which is the official image of the 2016 show. This remarkable plant’s roots are traced back to naturalist Charles Darwin who discovered ties between its extremely long spur and a pollinator moth with a probosis, or a head appendage, long enough to reach the nectar.

The Pacific Orchid Exposition boasts over 150,000 beautiful orchids from around the world and features docent tours, orchid potting demonstrations, cultivation tips and a diverse array of orchids for sale.

The event showcases intricate exhibits from local, national and international orchid growers, as well as vibrant displays from Orchid Societies around California. Plus, throughout the weekend there is a silent auction featuring fabulous items to bid on like wine, art, trips, and more.

The Pacific Orchid Exposition, which is the largest orchid show in the United States, is hosted by the San Francisco Orchid Society (SFOS), a 501 (c) (3) organization whose mission is to foster the culture and cultivation of orchids and to promote orchid education to its members and the public. The SFOS proudly supports local horticultural conservation efforts, including research and preservation efforts at the Conservatory of Flowers, the U.C. Botanical Garden at Berkeley and many other orchid conservation groups.

Who: San Francisco Orchid Society
What: 64th Annual Pacific Orchid Exposition, “A Legacy of Orchids”
When: February 26-28, 2016; Fri.& Sat.: 9am-6pm, Sun.: 10am-5pm
Where: Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion, San Francisco, Calif.
Tickets:

General Admission: $14 advance online/$15 at the door,
Seniors (65+): $11 advance online/$12 at the door
3 Day Pass: $25
Children 16 and under are free

Info: Call 650.548.6700 or visit www.orchidsanfranisco.org
Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PacificOrchidExpo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PacOrchidExpo