Orchid
From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
| Orchid |
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| Scientific Classification |
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Contains 125 Genera |
Orchidoideae is a taxonomic Family, more commonly known as Orchids. They are placed in the order Orchidales, which also includes the Burmannia family. Because of the variety inside the orchid family it was very difficult for biologists to decide what order Orchid should be placed in, and other systems place it in Asparagales. There are an estimated 30,000-35,000 species of orchids worldwide.
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Anatomy
Orchids are monocots which means that they have one leaf that comes out of the seed. All orchids are perennial herbs lacking any permanent woody structures. The flower of the orchids vary with a range of colors and shapes that exceed all other plant families. The orchid flower is zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry), which along with color and texture variations gives it a unique ability to attract animals and encourage pollination from such animals.
The seeds of the orchid are microscopically small, lacking endosperm and are capable of being blown in the wind as another method of reproduction.
Reproduction
Orchids reproduce sexually typically assisted by insect pollinators. It is through their ability to attract insects, birds, or bats that orchids are perhaps best known for. On many orchids, the lip (labellum) is sometimes adapted to have a color and shape which attracts particular male insects through mimicry of a receptive female insect. Some orchids are reliant solely on this deception for pollination.
Ecology
Orchids especially like the warm tropical regions and will sometimes live on other decomposing plants. Although most are terrestrial, many grow on other plants (epiphytes) with modified aerial roots having a spongy multiple epidermis (velamen) for water-absorption.
Because their seeds lack endosperm, germination frequently requires that they enter into a symbiotic relationship with a fungi, forming a mycorrhiza. These fungi provide the necessary nutrients to the seeds. Some species that lack chlorophyll and are adapted to being entirely dependent upon mycorrhizal fungi for nutrients.
Gallery
 Guarianthe aurantiaca |
 Guarianthe bowringiana |
 Cattleya skinneri |
 Lemboglossum bictoniense |
 Laelia alaorii-flor |
 Rossioglossum grande |
 Psychopsis papilio |
 Moon Orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis) |
 Schomburgkia undulata |
Related References
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