A RARE species of orchid was marked 1.68 million yuan (US$200,000) for sale at a flower show held by the Shenzhen agricultural science research institute.

Xu Xiquan, former head of the institute, said at the opening ceremony of the 20-day flower show Tuesday that the price should not be surprising at all since the newly cultivated species was unique worldwide so far.

The orchid, a result of eight years' efforts by researchers, features with beautiful outlook and shape and delicate fragrance. It often takes four to five years for the species of orchid to blossom.

Xu said flower cultivation industry has been promising in Shenzhen. "But we are in lack of species developed by our own," he said.
 

Editor: Wings