| Orchids are a very unique family of flowers; they are | | | | another function, they are the means of the orchid |
| the largest family of flowering plants. The orchid has | | | | anchoring them self. It is the roots of the epiphytic |
| evolved so successfully that there is only one | | | | orchid which holds it to the tree or rock with out |
| continent in the world where they do not grow | | | | which the orchid may perish. These exposed roots |
| naturally - Antarctica. The evolutions of the orchids | | | | will absorb from the atmosphere the necessary |
| mean that they have learnt to adapt to each | | | | moisture for survival; an orchid which is anchored to |
| individual environment. During this process of | | | | a tree may also absorb nourishment from the bird |
| adaptation the orchid has drawn on arachnids, insects, | | | | droppings or moulds on the bark of the tree. |
| birds and butterflies to ensure its successful | | | | The orchid is recognized as an exotic plant and has |
| pollination. We all have an idea that orchids are a | | | | become the obsession of many an avid gardener. |
| beautiful flower - some are not, however, their | | | | The wide variety of orchid plants means that there is |
| achievements of survival still make them worthy of | | | | a plant to suit almost every environment and if |
| admiration. | | | | desired anyone can nurture an orchid. The range of |
| The orchid family divides into three sections, Firstly | | | | orchids is constantly growing and a record of the |
| the sympodial; this has developed in dry climates and | | | | different types is kept at the Royal Horticultural |
| stores water in swollen stems a sort of 'pseudo bulb'. | | | | Society in London. This record contains all the |
| The second type is a monopodial; this type of orchid | | | | recognized naturally occurring orchids as well as the |
| has one upward growing stem, a rhizome, and | | | | hybrid orchids. Some orchids are now so rare that |
| continually produces new leaves from an apex. This | | | | they are classified as endangered and protected by |
| type does not reproduce easily, but if the main stem | | | | law. In the US there are certain orchids which are so |
| is damaged it may produce a new young plant from | | | | rare that if you are caught picking or damaging one it |
| the base. The third and least common type of orchid | | | | is punishable under both federal and state law! |
| is the diapodial; it grows in a similar manner to the | | | | Orchid hybrids are naturally occurring as well and bred |
| sympodials, but without the bulbs. | | | | by enthusiasts. The ability of the orchid to evolve |
| Orchids grow and gather their food and moisture by | | | | means that it is continually changing, it is possible that |
| different means as well. Most orchids attach | | | | there are orchid hybrids formed and lost faster than |
| themselves to trees or twigs, some to rock while | | | | man can record them. This is why the orchid has |
| the third place themselves more conventionally in soil. | | | | appealed to so many people; the survival of the |
| The needs of an orchid are much less than many | | | | orchid captures the imagination and then the sight of |
| plants, this has been key to its survival. As with all | | | | its delicate flowers draw people in to its world of |
| plants the roots are the means of nourishing the | | | | wonders. |
| orchid, however, with an orchid the roots have | | | | |