Phalaenopsis can now be found in any flower shop and even in a more or less large supermarket. Representatives of the Wanda genus are less common, but they can also justifiably be called popular. But they all have a familiar appearance, meanwhile orchids in the wild are much more interesting.
Other interesting facts include:
It is believed that all orchids grow in the tropics and require heat. This is partly true, but representatives of the orchid genus adapt well and can live in almost any environment. They are found on all continents except Antarctica.
Dimensions can also vary significantly. The smallest variety is only a few millimeters in diameter. At the largest, each petal can grow up to 120 cm in diameter. The length of the vines can also be impressive and reach 35 meters.
Today, there are about 25,000 natural varieties of orchids. On their basis, breeders bred ten times more hybrids. However, orchids are capable of cross-pollination, and new varieties appear constantly. So their exact number is simply not amenable to calculation.
The orchid family is one of the oldest plants on the planet. Their first species appeared at a time when dinosaurs walked the earth.
Not all orchids are attached to tree trunks and branches. There are lithophytic varieties that grow directly on the surface of the earth and feed on substances from it. However, they do not differ in large dimensions.
The usual form of inflorescence is a brush, with bright buds separated from each other. However, there are such orchids that form an ear and outwardly little resemble the traditional representatives of their family.
Unusual uses of orchids
The traditional use of orchids is decoration, growing in apartments on window sills and in greenhouses. Moreover, the shape of some of them (for example, a venus shoe) is so bizarre that hunting for them actually put these flowers on the brink of extinction. And this despite the fact that other species can live more than half a century.
But far from everyone knows that orchids can be edible. The bottom line is that orchid tubers (and almost all orchids have such rhizome forms) are rich in starch and can be easily eaten, like potato tubers and other plants. But we do not recommend trying them yourself - an orchid with the same success can be poisonous. If you happen to visit the homeland of edible flowers, then rely on the knowledge of local residents who themselves will offer to treat themselves to an unusual dish of local cuisine.
But such a product as vanillin and vanilla sugar is in the arsenal of any cookery and is widely known throughout the world. This is also a product from orchids, only obtained not from the roots, but from the flowers themselves. We can safely say that the smell of vanilla is native to orchids. And one interesting variety has a remarkable smell - honey, it is with them that the flower attracts bees for active pollination.
The Florina store in its catalog has many ready-made bouquets with orchids, as well as the opportunity to order them in bulk to create your own compositions or decorate the holiday with fresh flowers. In any case, these flowers will be beautiful, fresh and fragrant, able to give the most sincere and joyful emotions!
