Orchid Flowers

Orchids

Orchids are one of the most sought after flowers. They are considered by many to be the most beautiful flowers.  This link will take you to the American Orchid Society.  http://www.aos.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home

New species of Orchid are continually turning up.  There are approximately 22000 known Orchid varieties with new varieties being discovered every year.  This plant has immense diversification.  Many of these plants are buried deep into wilderness areas that are difficult to go to.  If you go on a wilderness excursion, you may actually discover a new Orchid, if you know what to look for.

One Orchid genus Vanilla is commercially used as a food flavoring.  Most of the worlds Vanilla is now produced in Madagascar. 

In sheer numbers of orchids sold nothing comes close to the popularity of the Phalaenopsis.  More are produced and sold than any other type of orchid.  They are very good for decoration and ornamental gardening.