From the oldest tree to the rarest orchids, if it grows, the royal flora expo in Chiang Mai has it

Regulated by a water spray system that keeps the temperature down to a comfortable 28 to 30 degrees Celsius and the humidity up at 90 per cent, the lush Tropical Dome is a jungle ecosystem in miniature, with more than 50 equatorial species, including a profusion of lacy green ferns, hot-pink orchids and spiky palms.
Built as a major attraction for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, it is a magnificent post-modern structure of perfect geometry and airy spherical proportions, beneath which the newly planted forest floor is thriving.
At its centre is one of the most fascinating features of the horticultural exposition – the Wollemi Pine, or “dinosaur tree”. Though this ancient conifer variety, Wollemia nobilis, was familiar to scientists from fossils found as far afield as New Zealand, Australia, China and Antarctica, it was believed to have existed as long as 90 to 200 million years ago, along with the dinosaurs, and to be just as extinct. But then in 1994 a park ranger noticed a species of the pine growing in the deep canyons of Australia’s Wollemi Park, just two hours drive from Sydney. The park is the only site where living examples of nobilis have been discovered, with less than 100 in total. Though the Wollemi pine showcased at the expo is just a baby at about 60 centimetres tall, these phenomenal trees grow to a height of between 20 and 80 metres.
The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, which runs until January 31, has been organised by the government as a world-class horticultural event in a league beyond any the country has ever witnessed in honour of His Majesty the King’s 60th anniversary of accession and the monarch’s 80th birthday on December 5, 2007.
No expense has been spared, with more than 2.5 million plants of 2,200 species exhibited in the 80-hectare space and other highlights including the opulent Royal Pavilion designed by architect Rung Jantabun, the sprawling Corporate and International gardens, the luxurious structures of the Thai Culture Exhibition, exquisite Orchid Gardens and simply the grounds themselves, a spread of superbly manicured lawns and colourful flower beds.
Here’s a look at the highlights:
l Royal Pavilion: Lavishly decorated and built to reflect the exquisite Lanna arts is at the heart of the exposition. The first floor houses “An Agricultural King – A Brilliance that Benefits the People”, an exhibition reflecting the King’s agricultural theories and projects. The second floor features murals by the national artist Preecha Thaothong to depict the dedicated activities of the King.
l Netherlands Garden: Part of the International Garden Zone, the Netherlands Garden is designed by the well-known Dutch designer Niek Roozen. It features tulips in the colours of the Netherlands’ national flag, conveying the the long history of diplomatic and commercial ties between Dutch people and Thais.
l Ayutthaya Garden: An elegant wooden traditional Thai house with a pond is the draw for visitors to the Ayutthaya garden in the Corporate Garden Zone. Thai agriculture is on show with a rice paddy, haystack, buffalo and water plants. The garden has been created to reflect the image of Ayutthaya as Thailand’s true ancient capital.
l Bhodi tree: Visitors are invited to write a blessing to HM the King on a golden bhodi leaf and fix it to the bhodi tree next to the Homage Garden. There are 30,000 leaves available at Bt99 each. After the exposition ends, proceeds will be used to make a Buddha statue dedicated to HM the King.
l Orchid Pavilion: The pavilion is the largest of its kind in Thailand to feature rare orchids from across the world. It will host weekly orchid contests for both domestic and international varieties to provide visitors with a unique chance to learn about the diverse world of orchids.
l Bug World: Located next to the playground, Bug World is an indoor insect zoo that offers a peek at the life cycle of insects in their everyday habitat as well as learn more about the specimens on show.

Cindy Tilney and
Atsadaporn Kamthai