Orchids belong to the Orchid family, Orchidaceae, the largest family of flowering plants. Species is a subdivision of the genus which has very closely related plants. Orchids are cosmopolitan in occurrence and can be found in almost every habitat. The orchid family has more than 1,000 genus and
more than 25,000 species. Some of the most famous orchid genera are listed below.
1. Cattleya
It is the most famous of orchids and has 42 species. Cattleya orchids are commonly known as ‘corsage orchids’. They have large, showy flowers and are widely used for hybridization. These flowers come in almost all colors, except blue and black. The flowers originate from a pseudobulb and usually have three broad petals. One of the petals forms the lip and features many markings, specks and a frilly margin.
2. Phalaenopsis
The orchid genus has approximately 60 species and is one the most popular orchids in the trade for the development of artificial hybrids. They are commonly known as ‘moth orchids’ since some of the species resemble moths in flight. Some of the species grow in moist and humid forests and others grow in dry and cool environments. The plants do not possess pseudobulbs and the flowers stay in bloom for long.
3. Paphiopedilum
They are commonly referred to as the ‘lady’s slippers’ due to the shape of the pouch like labellum of the flower. The pouch is used to trap insects to help in pollination. There are around 80 accepted species of the genus. They occur among humus layers on the forest floor and some are epiphytic. The colorful orchids bloom only once when the shoot is fully grown.
4. Cymbidium
The genus has 52 species which are commonly known as ‘boat orchids’. They are distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia. The species with large flowers grow at high altitudes. These orchids derive their name from the form of the base of the lip.
5. Dendrobium
It is a huge genus consisting of 1,200 species. The flowers occur in diverse habitats and derive their name from their epiphytic nature. They grow quickly in summer but remain dormant during winter.
6. Oncidium
The genus is commonly known as ‘dancing ladies’ and contains 330 species of orchids. The flowers are brightly colored and come in shades of yellow, red, white and pink. The petals and lip are ruffled on the edges. The lip is larger and partially blocks the smaller petals and sepals. They are mostly epiphytes and prefer dry areas.
7. Vanda
The genus has around 50 species and is one of the most important florally. They are mostly epiphytic and produce some magnificent flowers. Some of the species produce blue flowers which also give it horticultural importance. These orchids are very beautiful and some of the flowers are yellow in color too.
8. Epidendrum
They have more than 1,100 species and are commonly known as ‘star orchids’. The genus derivers its name form its epiphytic growth habit. Many species are fragrant and flowers are produced only once or after several years from the same or new inflorescence. They are normally found in tropical and subtropical regions.
9. Brassia
The orchids are epiphytic and are found in tropical America in wet forests. They are also known as ‘spider orchids’ owing to their unusual shape. The interesting shape of the flower is used to mimic the spider to assist in pollination. The wasps sting the lip to grasp their prey and in turn pollinate the flowers.
10. Miltonia
The genus consists of 9 epiphytic species and 8 natural hybrids. They are normally found in Brazilian Atlantic forest. The species have large and long lasting flowers. These orchids are relatively easy to grow and are thus a favorite among the orchid collectors. They are also used to produce artificial hybrids. The flowers are beautiful and delicately fragrant.
