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