8 Things You Didn’t know about Orchids

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There are twice as many Orchid species as there are bird species

on earth. With over 20,000 species, Orchids are one of the

largest groups of species recognized today.

8 Things You Didn’t know about Orchids #1

8 Things You Didn’t know about Orchids #2

The word Orchid comes from the Ancient Greek word for “testicle”.

This word was chosen because they believe that Orchid psuedobulbs

look like testicles.

8 Things You Didn’t know about Orchids #3

The Ancient Greek’s believed that Orchids were directly linked to

fertility. Males that wanted a son would eat large Orchid petals to

encourage a son. Females would eat small Orchid petals to

encourage the birth of a daughter.

8 Things You Didn’t know about Orchids #4

Charles Darwin, the evolutionist, wrote a book about the fertilization of Orchids. In his book, he released

his finding on the relationship between flowers and insect using Orchids as his study subject. His discoveries triggered a massive market for Orchids in Europe.

8 Things You Didn’t know about Orchids #5

In the early 1900’s, companies would fun expeditions to collect

exotic Orchids and bring them back to Europe. Once they were brought

back, they would be sold at auctions for insane prices. This

rapidly made Orchids a sign of the right and wealthy.

8 Things You Didn’t know about Orchids #6

Before Orchid care was readily available, the wealth were the only ones who could afford to own Orchids. After paying ridiculous prices to acquire the flowers, they would set up small

buildings to provide the best growing conditions for that species. Owners that brought their

recently purchased Orchid home and plopped in of the table next to another houseplant were

quickly disappointed.

8 Things You Didn’t know about Orchids #7

Orchids are one of the few plants that have sole pollinators. Most Orchid

species are only pollinated by a single Orchid species, makes pollination less

frequent. They make up for this by producing massive amounts of seeds

when they are pollinated.

8 Things You Didn’t know about Orchids #8

The shaped and size of the flower directly relates to the insects that are able to pollinate

that species. With most species, the insect must by small enough to get into the tubular flower but big enough to escape. Once they

get into the trap in search of nectar, they need to be strong enough to shake

themselves loose from the sticky walls.

Resources:

Orchid Origin