The Preah Trahoeng, known as the giant or tiger orchid, is the tallest species of orchid in the world. Environment ministry
A rare example of the Preah Trahoeng giant orchid, the world’s tallest orchid, is blooming for the third time within the Kingdom.
It has produced five flower stalks – an unprecedented event – at the Sok An Phnom Kulen Orchid Research and Conservation Center, located within the Siem Reap province’s Preah Jayavarman-Norodom Phnom Kulen National Park.
The orchid was first planted in the centre’s wild orchid garden in October 2018, alongside other rare species. It rarely blooms, but when it does, the flowers can last between two to three months.
“The Preah Trahoeng orchid first bloomed in April and May 2021, producing one flower stalk. The second bloom occurred in April 2024 with one stalk. Now, in April 2025, it is blooming for the third time, producing five stalks,” announced the Ministry of Environment.
The conservation of these rare specimens is being conducted by the ministry’s Department of Biodiversity.
The Preah Trahoeng orchid, (Grammatophyllum speciosum) is commonly known in English as the Giant Orchid, Tiger Orchid or Sugar Cane Orchid. The rare species is native to Cambodia, with examples previously found growing naturally in the Cardamom mountain range of Koh Kong province and the Dangrek mountain range of Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces.
It is recognised as the world’s tallest orchid by the Guinness Book of World Records, with with specimens recorded up to 7.62 metres (25 ft) in height. A single plant can weigh up to two tonnes, with two metre stalks able to bear between 80 and 100 individual flowers.
An example of the rare species is currently blooming at the Sok An Phnom Kulen Orchid Research and Conservation Center, in Siem Reap province. Environment ministry
Estimates suggest Cambodia is home to more than 500 wild orchid species, over 200 of which have been studied and documented for conservation purposes, especially for breeding and creating new varieties.
The Sok An Phnom Kulen centre was established in 2018 and officially inaugurated in August 2023.
It was created to serve as a research and scientific identification hub for wild orchid species, to conserve, rescue and restore endangered orchids and other threatened plant species from Cambodia’s natural forests.
Beyond conservation, it also aims to raise public awareness and provide training on Cambodia’s wild orchids and plant biodiversity. Additionally, the centre offers a scenic natural site for ecotourism, nature exploration and recreation.
Currently, the centre’s wild orchid garden is undergoing renovations and improvements through a collaboration between the environment ministry and Soma Group.
