The most unique and diverse plant forms on Earth, namely species orchids evolved from pre-dinosaur times. Found on every continent of the globe except the arctic poles, nature’s orchids have evolved and adapted to unique local environments in order to survive and multiply.
Species orchids have been found growing high in tree tops, dry rocky outcrops, steamy jungles, cool mountain plateaus, frozen arctic tundra and even underground.
Orchid flowers range in size from that of a pinhead to that of a large melon. They come in all shapes, forms and colours of the rainbow.
Caucaea sanguinolenta
DENDROBIUM ANTENNATUM
PLEUROTHALLIS ASCERA
EPIDENDRUM PORPPHYREA
The evolutionary process for orchids has been very long, and each species has had to adapt to a specific environmental habitat. Today, often found in just one valley or region on our globe, thousands of these unique and exotic treasures are easily threatened with extinction by the multitude of quickly changing environmental conditions and human interventions.
The mere survival of an orchid in its native habitat ensures that the numbers of other plants, animals, insects and microbes are still present. The absence of orchids in a once habituated area is a red flag indicating that the entire eco system may be endangered.
Beautifully flowering species orchids are nature’s colourful reward
for an environment well cared for.