Orchids

Orchids Flower

Orchids are lovely, complex and diverse flowers. They come in a stunning array of varieties, with nearly every color shape and size imaginable represented. There are many orchid types, approximately 26,000 species and about 880 categories or genera in the world. Since orchids grow on every continent one could say they are one of the most diverse species of flowers. Their structure is unique to the species, and no other flower looks quite like an orchid.

 Scientific Name

The scientific name Of Orchids is Orchidaceae.


Scientific Classification:


Subfamilies:
Origin of the name (etymology):
John Lindley first used the term Orchid in his 1845 book, “School of Botany.” He derived the word orchid from the Greek word “orchis” which literally means “testicle,” because the root of an orchid is shaped similarly.

Where the Orchids Grow:
Orchids are native to every country on earth and grow anywhere that is not covered by perpetual ice or shifting desert sand. There are many different varieties of orchids, and at least one is native to virtually every area on earth. Many of the most elaborate orchids grow in the tropics, but many lovely varieties grow in northern and temperate climates as well.


 Description and Characteristics

So what makes an orchid an orchid?
This vastly diverse species has several characteristics common almost exclusively to orchids. One characteristic that defines an orchid flower is its labellum. A labellum is a different and unusually shaped petal that attracts insects and serves as a landing platform for bees to encourage pollination.

Usually centrally located the labellum of an orchid is always highly modified, irregularly shaped, and frequently brightly colored. In addition,an orchid has fused central stamens and carpels, and very small seeds. Orchid flowers are Zygomorphic, which is a formal way of saying they are the same on the left side as the right, like a face.

The stems and roots of the orchid are also part of the identifying characteristics which define an orchid. Orchids are perennial and their stemsare soft, not woody. Orchids are either monopodial or symopodial. Monopodal means that a single stem, while sympodial refers to conjoined stems, and a lateral growth pattern. Some orchids have a lot of roots visible above ground..

 Meaning

If you happen to know any women over 60 they can tell you of the thrill of having their date pin a fabulously elaborate orchid corsage on their prom dress. Even those who are around fifty may remember, though the trend was slowly dying out by then. When speaking to an older lady about orchids she is sure to brighten up and tell you a wistful tale of loves long past.

It was apparently a universally magical experience to have an orchid pinned on your dress, by a trembling young lad, afraid of sticking his date with the long pin. Mothers day orchid corsages are still popular however, reminding mothers of days gone by.

Orchids however have a long and varied history of symbolic meaning. The ancient Greeks, also noticing the shape of the roots, connected orchids with virility. They believed that if a man ate the roots orchids, they would father a son. Similarly the Aztecs ate the beans of the vanilla orchid mixed with chocolate to give them strength.

In China orchid symbolized both refinement and childlike innocence. The Europeans equated the elaborate orchid with wealth and luxury. Today, the image of the orchid is far more feminine, than its former message of virility, perhaps because we do not admire the roots as often as the flowers. Most modern people feel that the orchid symbolizes love, beauty, and wisdom.

Cultivation and Care

While some growers say that caring for orchids is easy, they can also be a challenge. Orchids have certain environmental requirements. It is important to make sure they are kept in a warm but not hot humid environment with indirect sunlight and plenty of moisture, but never literally allowed to be wet.

Indoor orchid care:

Care of the outdoor bamboo orchid:
If you love orchids but would rather keep your flowers outside, the bamboo orchid is a perfect choice. Hearty enough to withstand either full sun or partial shade, the bamboo orchid can endure the outdoor climate of most areas.

These flowers are tender perennials, surviving and blooming all year long, year after year. Simply plant them about 12 to 15 inches apart and this lovely flowering bamboo will grow to heights between three and ten feet. The cymbidium orchid is great indoors and out.

Among the few orchids that enjoy outdoor life in cold climates is the cymbidium orchid. They like full sun, and can tolerate divergent temperatures with few ill effects. Many people enjoy growing these orchids, and they are often featured in botanical gardens.

Pruning tips:
Pruning and cutting instruments must be sterilized between uses to prevent spreading disease. When pruning orchid flowers after they are no longer pretty, one should cut off the entire stem of that flower. In monopod species this includes removing the entire bloom stalk from the surface up.

Do not leave parts of flower stems on the stalk, as this will prevent future blooms. Prune orchid plants regularly to remove dead branches, and leaves. Research carefully for more blooming tips specific to the orchid types you have.

 Diseases and Pests

Orchids are at risk for bacterial brown rot, bacterial brown spot, bacterial black rot, fusarium wilt, anthracnose fungal disease, leaf spots, petal blight, microfungus, and root rot. While there are fungicides to treat these illnesses, most are related to overwatering and allowing water to stand on plant, so avoid overwatering and getting water on leaves and flowers. Sterilized cutting and pruning tools are also a must for many species.

Parasites and pests that infect orchids include scale, mealy bugs, thrips, spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, snails and slugs, caterpillars, cock roaches, and grasshoppers. There are some insecticides that are safe for use on orchids, however it is also a good idea to physically remove insects from the plants by picking them off when possible.

 Uses

Despite the diverse beauty of most orchid flowers, these plants are also very useful for food. The most commonly used orchid is the vanilla orchid, which provides the flavor we call vanilla from its beans. Vanilla beans grow on the vanilla plant, and look very similar to green string beans, except they are slimmer. Vanilla beans grow in clusters of pods, on the vanilla plant, and are gathered and dried to make vanilla extract, and powder.

In India orchid roots called tubers are used to make a nutritious food called salep, which is boiled orchid root. Historically many ancient cultures ate boiled orchid tubers, believing them to be aphrodisiacs and fertility enhancers. Even though they may not have these properties, they are still very nutritious. Orchids are also commonly used in teas. In Mexico fibers from various orchid plants are used to make candy.

Various orchids have been used by many ancient cultures as medicine. They are frequently used to dispel tape worms in many cultures, and this actually seems to work if the right species is used. Orchids have also been widely used to treat malaria, and skin diseases and blemishes.

Chinese medicine has employed the use of orchids, perhaps more than any other culture. One of the fifty fundamental herbs of Chinese medicine is the noble dendrobium orchid, which they call shi hu, or shih u lan. There is still a great demand for the dendrobium orchid in Chinese medicine.

Orchids are also used in the production of fertilizer because they have a perfectly balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They are rich in nutrients, and other rare minerals which other plants need to grow.

Orchids are of course used as cut flowers, and are the most common flower to be worn in corsages. Many people like to grow them in their homes for pleasure as well.They are used commercially in many famous cologne fragrances.

The beauty fragrance and flavor of orchids, has been celebrated throughout history. Today they are a part of many industries, and continue to delight their owners at home as well. These bright orchid flowers are an important part of nature throughout the world.

 Pictures


Click thumbnails to see pictures:

Orchids Flower Orchids Flower Orchids Flowers