Elton John Gets Orchid Named After Him

Facebook.com/EltonJohnIn Singapore for a one-off concert this month, Elton John received a special welcome: he had a flower named him.  The blossom -- an orchid with white petals a magenta pattern and a golden forked "lip" -- will now be called Doritaenopsis Sir Elton John, according to ChannelNewsAsia.com.  

Elton stopped by the 20th World Orchid Conference to receive the honor, along with his partner David Furnish and son Zachary, where he told reporters, "I have had a lupin named after me, and even a rose, but never an orchid, and this is a great honor, as I am an avid lover of gardens."  Elton is also an avid lover of flowers: ten years ago, he dismissed a 500 thousand dollar florist bill by saying, "I like flowers...I like to spend money. It's my money to spend."

At the Singapore event, Elton added, "Thank you for your kindness...this is indeed the most beautiful specimen of orchid."  Other stars who had orchids named after after visiting Singapore include the late Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela and former First Lady Laura Bush.

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