Orchid Plants

Orchid (family Orchidaceae), is any of almost 1,000 genera and over 25,000 species of beautifully flowered plants found worldwide, particularly in the damp tropics.

 Orchidaceae is a family of flowering plants in the Asparagales order, which also includes the asparagus and iris families.

 Because of the structure of the root tubers in some Orchis species, the name orchid is derived from the Greek word (orchis) for testicle.

These nonwoody perennial plants are mostly epiphytic or terrestrial herbs (i.e., growing on other plants rather than rooted in soil).

 Those that are linked to other plants are frequently vinelike, with a spongy root covering called the velamen that collects water from the surrounding air.

Orchids vary from other plants only in terms of the morphological (structural) qualities of the flower and its organization. 

Even the unique traits of orchid blooms, such as pollinia, the uniting of the stamens and pistil to form a column, and the tiny seeds without endosperm, can be found in other groups of flowering plants.

When the entire family of orchids is considered, they have a vast ecological distribution. Although the family is mostly tropical, there are a few species that live in the northern and southern temperate zones. 
North of the Arctic Circle, at least four species have been reported. A variety of North Temperate Zone species can be found in bogs, prairies, grasslands, and hardwood woods.