Orchids

Orchids are one the most beautiful of plants. They belong to the family Orchidaceae which is the largest in the plant world, comprising of over 25,000 species. 

They are distributed throughout the earth's surface except perhaps in the Arctic or in the driest of deserts. There are a few  orchid species that are saprophytes and some growing underneath the earth' surface as well!

Over seventy per cent of the orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow naturally on the tree tops,  without soil! They cling to the tree bark but do not cause harm to the trees, unlike parasites. There are few growing just like other terrestrial plants. No plant family has the diversity of Orchidaceae.

They are amongst the top in the plant market with pot plants as well as cut flowers. The popular among them are Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchid), Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchid) among many others.

The world of orchid is with flowers in fascinating shapes resembling human beings, monkey, duck, bees,  dancing girls, and many more.