Orchids how many species

Orchids belong to the plant family Orchidaceae, one of the largest families of flowering plants with at least 25, species. Orchids are found throughout the world except Antarctica, from the tropics to montane cloud forests. Many orchids are native to the United States, but the majority grow in the tropics and subtropics. Orchids have long been valued for their beautiful and unique flowers, scents, foliage, and medicinal uses.

In fact, vanilla comes from an orchid. Thomas G. Anatomy Popular around the globe for their beauty and variety, orchids are the largest family of plants in the entire world. Did you know? Forests are home to 80 percent of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity! We're preserving habitats for endangered species, conserving wildlife corridors, and saving breeding grounds. Please join our alliance to keep forests standing:. Yes, I agree to receive occasional emails from the Rainforest Alliance.

Habitat Orchids are extremely adaptable, and grow in almost all climates except for frigid and arid extremes. Did You Know Because most orchids depend on a single species of bird, bee or other insect for pollination, if that species is eliminated, the particular orchid that depends on that species becomes threatened by extinction. Sources Jukofsky, Diane. Encyclopedia of Rainforests. It also exceeds the number of mammals by four times! Orchids are one of the most symbolic flowers around. Ancient Chinese medicine made use of orchids to remedy illnesses of the lungs and pacify coughs.

The ancient Greeks saw orchids as a bringer of virility, giving it to men to increase their fertility - they also believed that women that ate orchids would bear a son and further the family line.

The Aztecs used to mix vanilla orchids and chocolate to make a potion for strength. Orchids were not widespread in English literature until In fact, they were not even imported on a large scale until the s, being shipped from the Far East. Due to their difficult nature, orchids were not successfully cultivated at first. As mentioned above, the vanilla orchid in particular is well known for its seed pods, which are used as flavouring for foods and essential oils.

Orchids have a variety of appearances; how an orchid looks exactly is dependent on its species. Phaius orchids can grow outside year round without freezing and typically bloom in the winter. Often found in tropical areas, maxillaria orchids like bright light and can take a lot of water.

There are more than species of maxillaria orchids and most are known for their fragrance of coconut and vanilla. Maxillaria orchids bloom in early spring. Unlike a vast majority of other types of orchids, phragmipedium orchids thrive in wet conditions and prefer to have "wet feet.

Phragmipedium orchids look much like lady's slipper orchids with petals that form a pouch. As one of the most unique orchids, catasetum orchids have unusually waxy flowers and produce both male and female flower buds.

If the plant is touched or bumped, the male flowers will actually shoot pollen into the air. Many species of lycaste orchids are fragrant with scents like lemon and cinnamon. These orchids shed their leaves during dormancy revealing spikes that can be quite sharp.

Lycaste orchids come in colors like white, yellow, and red, and bloom in late winter to early spring. Also known as "jewel orchids," ludisia orchids make up a rare genus that only includes one species. These orchids have dark green leaves and small white flowers that bloom in the fall and winter.

Ludisia orchids don't need a lot of sunlight and do well as indoor houseplants. Vanilla, one of the most popular fragrances and spices, actually comes from a genus of orchids. Vanilla orchids are the only type of orchids that grow on vines and need a lot of vertical space. Individual flowers only last about a day, but the plant will continue to produce them for up to 1 to 2 months. Nicknamed "lady of the night orchids," brassavola orchids have white and green flowers with narrow petals that release a fragrant scent in the evening.

These orchids can be grown in a pot or on an orchid mount and flower in early winter. Country Life. Design Ideas. Home Maintenance. Country Living Shop. Shopping Guides. United States. Type keyword s to search.