Rock On Orchids!
By Rose Hunt
Abstract
Orchids are, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful flowers. They are majestic and very unique in their color and design. This web page will address the history and some interesting facts regarding orchids.
Introduction
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew list 880 genera and nearly 22,000 species, but the exact number is unknown. Orchids are cosmopolitan, occurring in almost every habitat with the exception of a few. Most are in the tropics. A majority of orchids are perennial epiphytes, which grow anchored to trees or shrubs. Other species are lithophytes, growing on rocks or very rocky soil. Nearly all temperate orchids are terrestrial. Some species cannot photosynthesis so instead, these species obtain energy and nutrients by parasitizing soil fungi.
Characteristics
Orchids are easily distinguished, as they share some very evident adaptations. Among these: one petal is always highly modified, stamens and carpels are fused, and the seeds are extremely small.
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Lc. Fiesta Days 'Solo Flight' |
Darwinara charm 'Pink Star' |
Cattleya bicolor var.
brasiliensis |
Other Resources
Works Citied
Orchidaceae, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia