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