Czech gardeners have a soft spot for orchids. And not only Czech ones – orchids are one of the most popular and commonly grown ornamental plants in the world. You can find them in most city parks, in castle gardens, they are one of the most popular decorations at wedding ceremonies and ceremonies. In short, they are everywhere. Today we will tell you some interesting facts about them that will surprise you.
Orchids live longer than humans
Some orchid species can live up to hundreds of years with the right care, so they need to be looked after by several generations of gardeners. In general, however, orchids thrive better in their natural habitat, where they live longer than when grown artificially. That is why it is difficult to say which plant is the record holder among orchids. However, it has been estimated that it may be up to 150 years old.
Orchids are at home everywhere
Yes, orchids’ primary home is the humid tropics, where they thrive by far the most. But a number of orchid species have adapted to conditions on other continents and in other climates, so it’s no exaggeration to say they are at home everywhere. Every continent except permafrost Antarctica boasts its own orchid species.
Vanilla is also an orchid
Yes, it really is. A popular spice that we could no longer imagine sweet desserts without today is, botanically speaking, the orchid. The vanilla flower does not resemble the flowers of ornamental orchids by chance, it is related to them. And the seeds of which the vanilla pod is full are, of course, orchid seeds.
And that’s not all. Orchids also boast the following interesting facts:
- There are over 30,000 different species of orchids. And that’s not all, several hundred new species are discovered every year.
- Ochidnas have been around since dinosaurs walked the Earth.
- Orchid seeds are the smallest of all known plant seeds.