We came across this informative article about orchids on therainforestsite.com.
Below is the article full of interesting Orchid facts:
When you think about biodiversity, you
probably think about interesting bugs, astounding mammals, and
fantastic fish: anything but orchids. Orchids are more complex and
interesting than you think, with traits such as a huge size range and
thousands of distinct species. Often two members of the Orchidaceae
family look drastically different, making them a stellar example of
biodiversity in the wild.
probably think about interesting bugs, astounding mammals, and
fantastic fish: anything but orchids. Orchids are more complex and
interesting than you think, with traits such as a huge size range and
thousands of distinct species. Often two members of the Orchidaceae
family look drastically different, making them a stellar example of
biodiversity in the wild.
Worlds Biggest Plant Family
There
are more types of orchids than there are any other type of plant in the
entire world. The orchid family, Orchidaceae, has over 25,000 unique
species, each with its own set of traits.
are more types of orchids than there are any other type of plant in the
entire world. The orchid family, Orchidaceae, has over 25,000 unique
species, each with its own set of traits.
More Variety Than Any Other Flower on Earth
Orchids
range in size from the weight of a nickel to an entire ton. Imagine a
flower with individual petals that each measure 30 inches long. Orchids
also come in a huge range of color variations, and grow in most climate
types.
range in size from the weight of a nickel to an entire ton. Imagine a
flower with individual petals that each measure 30 inches long. Orchids
also come in a huge range of color variations, and grow in most climate
types.
Orchids Can Be Astonishingly Long-Lived
Plenty
of plants live for a year, a few years or a decade or two at most.
Orchids blow those lifespan estimates out of the water, with some
species reaching ages up to 100 years.
of plants live for a year, a few years or a decade or two at most.
Orchids blow those lifespan estimates out of the water, with some
species reaching ages up to 100 years.
What Do Orchids Have in Common With Us?
Orchids
have a biological trait called bilateral symmetry, which means that
both sides of the flower are identical to each other. Plenty of animals
have this evolutionary trait, including human beings!
have a biological trait called bilateral symmetry, which means that
both sides of the flower are identical to each other. Plenty of animals
have this evolutionary trait, including human beings!
Orchids Are Manipulative
It
takes cunning and wit to survive in the tropics, where many flower
species compete for pollination by native insects. Orchids use
camouflage to trick flying insects into cross-pollinating, ensuring the
survival of each species.
takes cunning and wit to survive in the tropics, where many flower
species compete for pollination by native insects. Orchids use
camouflage to trick flying insects into cross-pollinating, ensuring the
survival of each species.
Orchids Make Themselves Useful
The
native Aztecs once harvested orchids and used parts of the plant to
make an adhesive glue. Who knew that orchids could be a useful crafting
supply?
native Aztecs once harvested orchids and used parts of the plant to
make an adhesive glue. Who knew that orchids could be a useful crafting
supply?
Some Orchids Prefer the Dark
There’s one species of orchid that blooms exclusively in the dark. Bulbophyllum nocturnum blooms after the sun goes down for a single night and dies by
morning.
morning.
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