Flower Guide: The Orchid

The Orchid family of flowering plants consists of more than 21,000 known species, making it the second largest family of plants next to the asters. People can find orchids in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors in many different environments. Orchids usually have decorative, three-petaled flowers. In fact, the middle petal looks the most extravagant as it differs in its shape and color. Orchids are natives of the tropics; however, they occur in a variety of natural environments throughout the world, except in areas affected by extreme climates. Many people have encountered orchids while walking in national parks, or simply out among city limits. In fact, many people can find the most decorative native species in the pine and oak forests located in the northernmost regions of the United States. Orchid enthusiasts may love these flowering plants to the point of creating their own orchid gardens in their very backyards.

Author : Paul Mousseline