LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - Taiwan's reputation as the "Orchid Kingdom" has been further enhanced at the 2010 Chelsea Flower Show, as Queen Elizabeth II praised the quality of Taiwanese orchids Monday during a stop at the country's booth at Britain's most prominent flower event.

Katharine S.Y. Chang, Taiwan's top representative stationed in London, introduced each pot of orchids to the queen, who appeared to listen carefully to Chang's descriptions during a five-minute visit of the booth.

This is the first year that Taiwan was invited to the annual Chelsea Flower Show, which is being held at the Royal Hospital from May 25 to May 29.

The queen was very surprised to learn that Taiwan supplies one-third of the orchids in the global market and she nodded when Chang said there was room for cooperation in orchid cultivation between the two countries as seen by the recent success in Britain of growing 1-year-old orchids from Taiwan.

Chang presented a pot of Phalaenopsis Fortune Saltzman to the queen before she departed, in appreciation of her visit.

According to Chang, the queen's presence reflected her recognition of Taiwanese orchids and Taiwan's status as the "Orchid Kingdom" among the more than 600 exhibitors from around the world at the event.

Princess Alexandra, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, Stephen Bennett, manager of the Chelsea Flower Show, as well as members of parliament also lauded Taiwan's orchids when they visited the booth.

Bennett described Taiwan's broad variety of orchids on display as "very special" and voiced his belief that the British people will very much like the flowers on display. He expected Taiwan's booth to be one of the most important stands at the show.

According to Lin Feng-pei, secretary-general of the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association (TOGA), Taiwan's participation at the show is particularly significant because it means that the country's orchid growing industry has gained Britain's recognition.

"Britain is one of Taiwan's 10 largest orchid markets, and we hope to create more commercial opportunities for Taiwanese growers through participation in this prestigious event," Lin said.

The theme of Taiwan's booth is "Orchids in the Art World." The main varieties featured are the large white "V3," - Taiwan's top exported variety - and the original variety "amabilis," nicknamed "Taiwanese Grandma."

The booth's design incorporates many different varieties and colors of the flower to showcase its diversity and enable visitors to appreciate its true beauty and charm, the TOGA said.