Orchids represent the largest family of flowering plants, boasting over 28,000 known wild species—accounting for roughly 10% of all plant life—and they thrive on every continent except Antarctica. These ancient plants, existing for over 100 million years, feature specialized, mirrored-image blooms and produce the world’s smallest, dust-like seeds.
Fascinating Facts About Orchids:
Source of Vanilla: The familiar vanilla flavoring and fragrance comes from the seed pods of the Vanilla planifolia orchid, making it the only commercially grown orchid.
Unusual Habitats: While many are tropical, some orchids grow in arctic tundra, and they don’t always need soil; many are epiphytes, growing on trees, or even lithophytes, growing on rocks.
The “Snooze” Button: Orchids have evolved to survive harsh conditions by going dormant, sometimes for weeks or even years, until conditions are right.
Deceptive Pollination: Many orchids trick insects by mimicking the scent or appearance of female bees or wasps to ensure pollination.
Extremely Long-Lived: Some orchids can live for over 100 years, and their blooms can last for several months.