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