One stem can produce as many as eight blossoms. (in Isezaki-shi, Gunma Prefecture)
Kotaro Yamada
In Isezaki-shi, Gunma Prefecture, 8,500 stocks of egret flowers are now in full bloom at “Egret Flower Show.” The show is held by a 71-year-old amateur plant grower, Hiroyuki Ishihara, to offer the public the chance to have a close look at the pearly white blossoms that resemble egret birds in flights.
Egret flowers are one type of terrestrial orchids found in wetlands. It actually is one of the near threatened species listed in the Red List of the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. In Gunma Prefecture, it has already become extinct, according to the local government.
In Ishihara’s greenhouse, tens of thousands of egret flowers are spreading their wings. The farm was started from only five stocks he got from other plant grower. Now his garden in the vinyl greenhouse is open to public in late August every year, when the flowers are in full bloom.
Ishihara also produces approximately 15,000 bulbs a year and holds lectures on how to grow them. “You rarely have the chance to see this many egret flowers at the same time. I hope many to come and enjoy the beautiful shapes of them,” he said.
In 2015, the show is opened through August 23.
(Aug. 20, 2015)