Crowds Flock to Japan to View Orchid Species Resembling a Monkey's Friendly Face (pics)

[progressoid]

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, February 8th, 2016 will mark the start of the Year of the Monkey and one Japanese aquarium's celebrating in a floral fashion. The Aquamarine Fukushima recently opened up an exhibit featuring the rare Dracula simia flower—which is also known as a Monkey Orchid. Within its vibrant petals, visitors can observe features that strikingly mirror those that can be found on a primate's face. Certain Monkey Orchids even display a furry appearance, a brown coloration, and a tail-like structure, making the resemblance even more uncanny!

Monkey Orchids most commonly grow in parts of Ecuador and Colombia, which adds an extra element of uniqueness to the Japan-based exhibit. Up until January 12th, the Aquamarine Fukushima will continue to delight visitors with these apish flowers as they pay homage to the upcoming Year of the Monkey.

More photos at: http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/monkey-orchid-japan-exhibit?context=tag-photo

[Jackie Wilson Said]

1. Nature, how wonderful it can be.

[Cirque du So-What]

2. Amazing

It's enough to make me admit that I haven't seen everything.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Nature is amazing. Here's my favorite exotic plant -

The Toilet Plant. http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/the-training-of-the-shrew-pitcher-plant-evolves-into-toilet.html

[progressoid]

5. Too cool.

[Nay]

4. Good heavens, they look exactly like monkeys. Beautiful!

[tabasco]

6. Very funny! Orchids are cool.

Many varieties grow wild here in W.Va. Always a treat to find one.

[B2G]

7. So cool...thanks for posting! nt

[mfcorey1]

8. Unbelievable! Amazing!

[REP]

9. Draculas aren't rare; they're just a little difficult to grow due to their need for high humidity

Dracula simia is easier to grow than other draculas because they tolerate a wider range of temperature than other draculas do, but in general, most can be grown in conditions similar to those of their close cousins, masdevallias. Both have neat paddle-shaped foliage and are fun to grow.

/orchid freak

[vaberella]

10. yeah, they're all kawaii.

I would go to.