orchid
Found throughout much of the world, the plants called orchids are prized for their beautiful and unique flowers. Many people grow orchids as a hobby, and groups are devoted to raising and studying them. Orchids make up one of the world's largest plant families, with between 15,000 and 35,000 species, or types. The scientific name of the orchid family is Orchidaceae.
Orchids grow in all but the very coldest parts of the world. They are most numerous in warm, tropical areas. Unlike most other plants, orchids can grow in a variety of places—on trees, on the ground, on rocks, and even completely under the ground. Orchids that grow on trees and rocks are not rooted in soil. Instead, their spongy roots dangle in the air or cling to the tree or rock. They absorb moisture and nutrients from rainwater and rotting plant matter.
Orchid plants vary in height from less than an inch (2.5 centimeters) to more than 15 feet (4.6 meters). The flowers can grow singly or in clusters. They can be as small as 1/10 inch (2.5 millimeters) or as large as 15 inches (38 centimeters) across. Orchid flowers can be almost any color, and some are spotted or streaked. Many have a strong fragrance, but some have no fragrance at all.
Most orchid flowers have three petals and three leaflike structures called sepals. The sepals are the outer layer of the flower that covers the closed flower bud. Once the flower opens, the sepals often take on the color of the petals. The petals may be long and thin, rounded, or fringed. The lowest petal on the face of the flower is called the lip. It often has a different shape or color from the rest of the flower. The lip is important in attracting insects, which carry pollen from one flower to another. Some lips even look like insects themselves.
In the wild, orchids grow from tiny seeds that are about the size of a particle of dust. Orchid flowers produce millions of seeds in pods, but only a small portion of the seeds become plants. They grow into plants only with the help of a special fungus. The fungus nourishes the orchid seed and helps it sprout. It is difficult for orchid growers to raise plants from seeds because it takes many years for the plants to mature. For this reason, they often grow new plants by cutting off and replanting part of a mature plant.
Orchids are commonly used in floral arrangements and corsages. The flavoring vanilla comes from the seedpods of several different orchid plants. Vanilla is used in baked goods, perfumes, and other products. In addition, some people prepare medicines, beverages, and foods from different parts of orchid plants.
