Owing to the large diversity in the Orchidaceae family, Orchid flowers are present in nature is varied shapes, sizes and colors. In fact, Orchid family occupies a place of pride in the plant kingdom for being the plant family with the largest number of different flowers. The color, shape and size of the Orchid flowers vary according to the region in which they are found. Hence, the African Orchid flowers are usually white in color while the Asian Orchid flowers are multicolored. The number of Orchid flowers on a single stem may also vary, with certain species bearing a single Orchid flower on a stem while others bearing more than a hundred Orchid flowers on a single stem.
The endless variations in the Orchid flowers are not merely ornamental in nature. The structure variations in the Orchid flowers encourage pollination of the flower by a specific species of insects or birds. With a few exceptions, an Orchid flower is bilaterally symmetrical. The structure of a typical Orchid flower consists of three sepals in the outer whorl and three petals in the inner whorl. It is the medial petal that serves as a platform for pollinators and is usually enlarged or structurally modified for this purpose. In most Orchid flowers, the sepals and the petals are indistinguishable while in certain Orchid flowers, such as the Lycaste Orchids, the petals are inconspicuous and the sepals are the dominating feature.
The truly amazing feature of the Orchid flowers is the variety of their reproductive methods. Different varieties of Orchid flowers have innovative methods of pollination. In certain varieties of Orchid flowers, the labellum mimics the appearance of a female insect to which the male insects are attracted. Another variety has a pocket that traps the visiting insects allowing them exit only through a single opening. When the insect escapes through this opening, pollinia get deposited on the insect’s body. These remarkably diverse methods of reproduction truly provide a distinctive character to the Orchid flowers.
Orchid flowers are well known for their aesthetic appeal and this is the reason why most people like to plant an orchid flower in their gardens. An orchid flower is a traditional symbol of perfection, wisdom, morality and thoughtfulness. A blooming orchid flower is a visual delight, a perfect sight to relieve a person of stress and worry.
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