[3] It is an epiphytic and occasionally a lithophytic plant, forming spectacular root bundles.

[6] Much more recently, in A.D. 2000, biologists Tim Laman and Phil Atkinson found one in Borneo 25 feet (7.6 meters) wide and bearing between 2500 and 5000 flowers.

The plant completely encircled the host tree 150 feet (46 meters) above ground.

[11] It is native to New Guinea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines, growing in crotches of large trees on exposed areas of the lowland tropical rainforest.

[16] A giant orchid weighing two tons was one of the highlights in the 1851 exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London.