Do you know about Orchids!

The size of orchids depends on the species. They can be tiny as a penny or extremely large, weighing few hundred pounds. Grammatophyllum are medium-sized to very large orchids, including the enormous orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum), believed to be the most important orchid species alive. Its pseudobulbscan grow to a length of 2.5 m. Plztystele jungermannioides, which is believed to be the littlest Orchid within the world grows a measly 2mm. Orchid Plants can become gigantic clusters weighing from several hundred kilograms to at least one ton. The roots form spectacular bundles.

• Each orchid flower is bilateral symmetric, so that we can divide it into two equal parts.
• Size, shape and texture of leaves depend on the habitat. Orchids that sleep in dry climate have thick leaves covered with wax, while species that sleep in warm and humid areas have thin, elongated leaves. Certain species of orchids don't have leaves in the least.
• Orchids do not have usual roots. They have rhizome, tuber or aerial roots.
• Orchids can survive on the ground, attached to woody plants or can live under the ground.
• Certain species of orchids are parasitic. They are unable to supply food (sugar) using the daylight and CO2 (like other plants). They generate food from fungi that live inside their roots.
• Bond between orchids and certain species of insects is very strong and highly specialized. Petals have similar shape and colour like female insects to draw in males and ensure pollination. Ophrys apifera, better referred to as the Ophrys apifera, lures male bees with its enticing smell and bee like appearance. When a male bee approaches the flower to mate, it becomes covered in pollen and is shipped off to pollinate subsequent orchid it visits.

By: Saksham Gupta

Content: https://www.flowerweb.com/en/article/190242/15-Amazing-Facts-About-Orchids