Wild Orchids at Alishan, Taiwan

Here are some of the wild orchids I saw during a 1/2 day hike in Alishan, Taiwan.  Only the Pleione were in bloom so I could not identify which species of Bulbophyllum and Dendrobium we saw but still considered myself lucky to have seen so many orchids growing in the wild.

Bulbophyllum species #1 (oblong leaf)

Bulbophyllum species #2 (lanceolate leaf)

Dendrobium species

Large Taiwan Cypress, with moss-covered trunks.  The wild Bulbophyllum and Dendrobium grow on the Taiwan Cypress, mostly in moist areas that receive a bit of filtered sun.

Possibly a Dendrobium species.

A large clump of Pleione formosana growing in a clump of moss and grass on a sheer, rock, retaining wall.

A close-up of Pleione formosana

#Alishan, #Taiwan, #orchid, #orchidpictures, #naturephotos

Chinese Dragons

Chinese dragons are a symbol of power, strength and good fortune and are often considered yang; the phoenix, often seen with the dragon, is considered yin.  Dragons were long seen as the symbol of the emperors of China, with royal palaces, pottery, clothing, etc. often bearing dragon symbols.  In Tainan, some of the temple rooftops have particularly elaborate dragons that are quite amazing to see.

Pet Birds in Taiwan

People in Hong Kong are known for showing their pet birds.  However, it turns out a lot of shops in Tainan have pet birds as well.  This one was particularly beautiful.  However, after Googling longer than I care to admit, I came up empty on an ID.  I would probably do better if I simply walked into one of the local pet shops (although my Chinese language skills are sorely lacking).

Taxi Dashboard Lucky Figurines

The taxi had these cartoon-like lucky figurines on his dashboard.  Lest you think the driver was a Nazi, note that the 'swastika' symbol predates its Nazi usage and is actually a quite ancient symbol dating back to the Indus Valley Civilizations and Paleolithic Europe.  In Asia, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, still use the symbol to represent wealth, prosperity and auspiciousness.