View source for Category:Orchidaceae

{{Automatic taxobox
| fossil_range = {{fossil range|80|0}}[[Late Cretaceous]] – Recent
| image = Haeckel Orchidae.jpg
| image_caption = Colour plate from [[Ernst Haeckel]]'s ''{{lang|de|[[Kunstformen der Natur]]}}'', 1904
| taxon = Orchidaceae
| authority = [[Antoine Laurent de Jussieu|Juss.]]<ref name=APGIII2009>{{Cite journal |last=Angiosperm Phylogeny Group |year=2009 |title=An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants: APG III |journal=Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society |volume=161 |issue=2 |pages=105–121 |url=http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122630309/abstract | format= PDF |accessdate=26 June 2013 |doi=10.1111/j.1095-8339.2009.00996.x }}</ref>
| type_genus = ''[[Orchis]]''
| type_genus_authority = [[Tourn.]] ''ex'' [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
| subdivision_ranks = Subfamilies
| subdivision =
* [[Apostasioideae]] <small>Horaninov</small>
* [[Cypripedioideae]] <small>Kosteletzky</small>
* [[Epidendroideae]] <small>Kosteletzky</small>
* [[Orchidoideae]] <small>Eaton</small>
* [[Vanilloideae]] <small>Szlachetko</small>
| range_map = Orchidaceae.png
| range_map_caption = Distribution range of family Orchidaceae
}}

The '''Orchidaceae''' are a diverse and [[Cosmopolitan distribution|widespread]]  [[family (biology)|family]] of [[flowering plant]]s, with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant, [[Common name|commonly known]] as the '''orchid family'''.

Along with the [[Asteraceae]], they are one of the two largest families of flowering plants. The Orchidaceae have about 28,000 currently accepted [[species]], distributed in about 763 [[genus|genera]].<ref name="Christenhusz-Byng2016">{{cite journal |author1=Christenhusz, M. J. M. |author2=Byng, J. W.  |lastauthoramp=yes | year = 2016 | title = The number of known plants species in the world and its annual increase | journal = Phytotaxa | volume = 261 | pages = 201–217 | url = http://biotaxa.org/Phytotaxa/article/download/phytotaxa.261.3.1/20598 | doi = 10.11646/phytotaxa.261.3.1 | issue = 3 | publisher = Magnolia Press }}</ref><ref name=WCSP>{{cite web|url=http://data.kew.org/cgi-bin/vpfg1992/genlist.pl?ORCHIDACEAE|title=WCSP |work= World Checklist of Selected Plant Families|accessdate=2 April 2010}} (See ''External links'' below).</ref> The determination of which family is larger is still under debate, because verified data on the members of such enormous families are continually in flux. Regardless, the number of orchid species nearly equals the number of [[Teleostei|bony fishes]] and is more than twice the number of [[bird]] species, and about four times the number of [[mammal]] species. The family also encompasses about 6–11% of all [[seed plants]].<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Yohan Pillon  |author2=Mark W. Chase  |lastauthoramp=yes |year=2007 |title=Taxonomic exaggeration and its effects on orchid conservation |journal=[[Conservation Biology (journal)|Conservation Biology]] |volume=21 |issue=1 |pages=263–265 |doi=10.1111/j.1523-1739.2006.00573.x |pmid=17298532}}</ref> The largest genera are ''[[Bulbophyllum]]'' (2,000 species), ''[[Epidendrum]]'' (1,500 species), ''[[Dendrobium]]'' (1,400 species) and ''[[Pleurothallis]]'' (1,000 species).

The family also includes ''[[Vanilla (genus)|Vanilla]]'' (the genus of the [[Vanilla planifolia|vanilla plant]]), ''[[Orchis]]'' (type genus), and many commonly cultivated plants such as ''[[Phalaenopsis]]'' and ''[[Cattleya]]''. Moreover, since the introduction of tropical species into cultivation in the 19th century, [[horticulture|horticulturists]] have produced more than 100,000 [[hybrid (biology)|hybrids]] and [[cultivar]]s.

== Description ==
[[File:Orchid high resolution.jpg|thumb|High resolution image of orchid]]

Orchids are easily distinguished from other plants, as they share some very evident, shared derived characteristics, or "[[Synapomorphy|apomorphies]]". Among these are: [[symmetry (biology)#Bilateral symmetry|bilateral symmetry]] of the flower ([[zygomorphic|zygomorphism]]), many [[resupination#Orchidaceae|resupinate]] flowers, a nearly always highly modified [[petal]] (labellum), fused [[stamen]]s and [[carpel]]s, and extremely small [[seed]]s.

=== Stem and roots ===
[[File:Anacamptis fragrans.JPG|thumb|Germinating seeds of the temperate orchid ''Anacamptis coriophora''. The protocorm is the first organ that will develop into true roots and leaves.]]
All orchids are [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herb]]s that lack any permanent [[Lignin|woody]] structure. They can grow according to two patterns:
* '''[[Monopodial]]''': The stem grows from a single bud, leaves are added from the apex each year and the stem grows longer accordingly. The stem of orchids with a monopodial growth can reach several metres in length, as in ''[[Vanda]]'' and ''[[Vanilla (genus)|Vanilla]]''.
* '''[[Sympodial]]''': Sympodial orchids have a front (the newest growth) and a back (the oldest growth).<ref>Nash, N., and Frownie, S. (2008). ''Complete guide to orchids.'' (Meredith Publishing Group) p. 12.</ref> The plant produces a series of adjacent shoots which grow to a certain size, bloom and then stop growing and are replaced. Sympodial orchids grow laterally rather than vertically, following the surface of their support. The growth continues by development of new leads, with their own leaves and roots, sprouting from or next to those of the previous year, as in ''[[Cattleya]]''. While a new lead is developing, the [[rhizome]] may start its growth again from a so-called 'eye', an undeveloped bud, thereby branching. Sympodial orchids may have visible [[pseudobulb]]s joined by a ''[[rhizome]]'', which creeps along the top or just beneath the soil.

[[File:Orchis lactea rhizotubers.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Anacamptis lactea]]'' showing the two tubers]]
Terrestrial orchids may be [[rhizome|rhizomatous]] or form [[corm]]s or [[tuber]]s. The root caps of terrestrial orchids are smooth and white.

Some sympodial terrestrial orchids, such as ''[[Orchis]]'' and ''[[Ophrys]]'', have two subterranean [[tuberous root]]s. One is used as a food reserve for wintry periods, and provides for the development of the other one, from which visible growth develops.

In warm and constantly humid climates, many terrestrial orchids do not need pseudobulbs.

[[Epiphyte|Epiphytic]] orchids, those that grow upon a support, have modified [[aerial root]]s that can sometimes be a few meters long. In the older parts of the roots, a modified spongy [[epidermis (botany)|epidermis]], called [[velamen]], has the function to absorb humidity. It is made of dead cells and can have a silvery-grey, white or brown appearance. In some orchids, the velamen includes spongy and fibrous bodies near the passage cells, called tilosomes.

The cells of the root epidermis grow at a right angle to the axis of the root to allow them to get a firm grasp on their support. Nutrients for epiphytic orchids mainly come from mineral dust, organic detritus, animal droppings and other substances collecting among on their supporting surfaces.

[[File:Pseudobulbe.jpg|thumb|upright|The pseudobulb of ''Prosthechea fragrans'']]
The base of the stem of sympodial epiphytes, or in some species essentially the entire stem, may be thickened to form a [[pseudobulb]] that contains nutrients and water for drier periods.

The pseudobulb has a smooth surface with lengthwise grooves, and can have different shapes, often conical or oblong. Its size is very variable; in some small species of ''[[Bulbophyllum]]'', it is no longer than two millimeters, while in the largest orchid in the world, ''[[Grammatophyllum speciosum]]'' (giant orchid), it can reach three meters. Some ''[[Dendrobium]]'' species have long, canelike pseudobulbs with short, rounded leaves over the whole length; some other orchids have hidden or extremely small pseudobulbs, completely included inside the leaves.

With ageing, the pseudobulb sheds its leaves and becomes dormant. At this stage, it is often called a backbulb. Backbulbs still hold nutrition for the plant, but then a pseudobulb usually takes over, exploiting the last reserves accumulated in the backbulb, which eventually dies off, too. A pseudobulb typically lives for about five years. Orchids without noticeable pseudobulbs are also said to have growths, an individual component of a sympodial plant.

=== Leaves ===

Like most [[monocot]]s, orchids generally have simple [[leaf|leaves]] with parallel [[vein]]s, although some [[Vanilloideae]] have  reticulate [[leaf|venation]]. Leaves may be ovate, lanceolate, or orbiculate, and very variable in size on the individual plant. Their characteristics are often diagnostic. They are normally [[phyllotaxis|alternate]] on the stem, often folded lengthwise along the centre ("plicate"), and have no [[stipule]]s. Orchid leaves often have [[silica|siliceous]] bodies called stegmata in the [[vascular bundle]] sheaths (not present in the [[Orchidoideae]]) and are fibrous.

The structure of the leaves corresponds to the specific habitat of the plant. Species that typically bask in sunlight, or grow on sites which can be occasionally very dry, have thick, leathery leaves and the [[Leaf anatomy|laminae]] are covered by a waxy [[Plant cuticle|cuticle]] to retain their necessary water supply. Shade-loving species, on the other hand, have long, thin leaves.

The leaves of most orchids are perennial, that is, they live for several years, while others, especially those with plicate leaves as in ''[[Catasetum]]'', shed them annually and develop new leaves together with new pseudobulbs.

The leaves of some orchids are considered ornamental. The leaves of the ''Macodes sanderiana'', a semiterrestrial or rock-hugging ("[[lithophyte]]") orchid, show a sparkling silver and gold veining on a light green background. The cordate leaves of ''Psychopsis limminghei'' are light brownish-green with maroon-puce markings, created by flower pigments. The attractive mottle of the leaves of [[lady's slipper]]s from tropical and subtropical Asia (''[[Paphiopedilum]]''), is caused by uneven distribution of chlorophyll. Also, ''Phalaenopsis schilleriana'' is a pastel pink orchid with leaves spotted dark green and light green. The jewel orchid (''Ludisia discolor'') is grown more for its colorful leaves than its white flowers.

Some orchids, as ''[[Dendrophylax lindenii]]'' (ghost orchid), ''[[Aphyllorchis]]'' and ''[[Taeniophyllum]]'' depend on their green roots for [[photosynthesis]] and lack normally developed leaves, as do all of the [[heterotrophy|heterotrophic]] species.

Orchids of the genus ''[[Corallorhiza]]'' (coralroot orchids) lack leaves altogether and instead wrap their roots around the roots of mature trees and use specialized fungi to harvest sugars.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jenny King |title=The coralroot orchid |url=http://www.exploresmos.org/nature/orchids-northern-washington-state/ |work=Orchids in Northern Washington State |publisher=Silvercrown Mountain Outdoor School |accessdate=10 June 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Flor de Orquídea - Orchid Flower.JPG|thumb|''[[Vanda]]'' cultivar]]

=== Flowers ===
The Orchidaceae are well known for the many structural variations in their [[flower]]s.

Some orchids have single flowers, but most have a racemose [[inflorescence]], sometimes with a large number of flowers. The flowering stem can be basal, that is, produced from the base of the [[tuber]], like in ''[[Cymbidium]]'', apical, meaning it grows from the apex of the main stem, like in ''[[Cattleya]]'', or axillary, from the leaf axil, as in ''[[Vanda]]''`.

As an [[apomorphy]] of the [[clade]], orchid flowers are primitively [[Floral symmetry#Zygomorphic|zygomorphic]] ([[symmetry (biology)#Bilateral symmetry|bilaterally symmetrical]]), although in some genera like ''[[Mormodes]]'', ''[[Ludisia]]'', and ''[[Macodes]]'', this kind of symmetry may be difficult to notice.

[[File:Orchis sambicina anatomia.jpg|left|thumb|''Dactylorhiza sambucina'', [[Orchidoideae]] for reference]]The orchid flower, like most flowers of monocots, has two whorls of sterile elements. The outer whorl has three [[sepal]]s and the inner whorl has three [[petal]]s. The sepals are usually very similar to the petals (thus called [[tepals]], '''1'''), but may be completely distinct.

The medial petal, called the [[Labellum (botany)|labellum]] or lip ('''6'''), which is always modified and enlarged, is actually the upper medial petal; however, as the flower develops, the inferior [[ovary]] ('''7''') or the [[Pedicel (botany)|pedicel]] usually rotates 180°, so that the labellum arrives at the lower part of the flower, thus becoming suitable to form a platform for pollinators. This characteristic, called [[resupination]], occurs primitively in the family and is considered [[apomorphy|apomorphic]], a derived characteristic all Orchidaceae share. The torsion of the ovary is very evident from the longitudinal section shown (''below right''). Some orchids have secondarily lost this resupination, e.g. ''[[Epidendrum secundum]]''.
[[File:VanillaFlowerLongitudinalSection-en.png|thumb|upright=1.3|Longitudinal section of a flower of ''[[Vanilla planifolia]]'']]
The normal form of the sepals can be found in ''Cattleya'', where they form a triangle. In ''[[Paphiopedilum]]'' (Venus slippers), the lower two sepals are fused into a [[synsepal]], while the lip has taken the form of a slipper. In ''[[Masdevallia]]'', all the sepals are fused.

Orchid flowers with abnormal numbers of petals or lips are called peloric. [[Peloria]] is a genetic trait, but its expression is environmentally influenced and may appear random.
[[File:Cattleya photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Laeliocattleya]]'' cultivar shows the normal form of petals.]]
Orchid flowers primitively had three stamens, but this situation is now limited to the genus ''[[Neuwiedia]]''. ''[[Apostasia (plant)|Apostasia]]'' and the [[Cypripedioideae]] have two stamens, the central one being sterile and reduced to a [[staminode]]. All of the other orchids, the clade called ''Monandria'', retain only the central stamen, the others being reduced to [[staminode]]s ('''4'''). The filaments of the stamens are always [[adnation|adnate]] (fused) to the [[carpel|style]] to form cylindrical structure called the gynostemium or [[column (botany)|column]] ('''2'''). In the primitive [[Apostasioideae]], this fusion is only partial; in the [[Vanilloideae]], it is more deep; in [[Orchidoideae]] and [[Epidendroideae]], it is total. The [[Carpel|stigma]] ('''9''') is very asymmetrical, as all of its lobes are bent towards the centre of the flower and lie on the bottom of the column.

[[Pollen]] is released as single grains, like in most other plants, in the Apostasioideae, Cypripedioideae, and Vanilloideae. In the other subfamilies, which comprise the great majority of orchids, the anther ('''3''') carries two [[pollinium|pollinia]].

A pollinium is a waxy mass of pollen grains held together by the glue-like [[alkaloid]] [[viscin]], containing both cellulosic strands and mucopolysaccharides. Each pollinium is connected to a filament which can take the form of a [[caudicle]], as in ''[[Dactylorhiza]]'' or ''[[Habenaria]]'', or a ''[[stipe (botany)|stipe]]'', as in ''Vanda''. Caudicles or stipes hold the pollinia to the viscidium, a sticky pad which sticks the pollinia to the body of [[pollinator]]s.

At the upper edge of the stigma of single-anthered orchids, in front of the anther cap, is the [[rostellum]] ('''5'''), a slender extension involved in the complex pollination mechanism.

As mentioned, the [[ovary (plants)|ovary]] is always inferior (located behind the flower). It is three-[[carpel]]ate and one or, more rarely, three-partitioned, with parietal [[placenta]]tion (axile in the Apostasioideae).

In 2011, <!-- a member of the genus ''[[Bulbophyllum]]'', --> ''[[Bulbophyllum nocturnum]]'' was discovered to flower nocturnally.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/worlds-first-night-flowering-orchid-discovered-in-papua-new-guinea.htm/ |title=World's first night-flowering orchid discovered |author=Tom Lawrie |publisher=[[Australian Geographic]] |date=23 November 2010 |accessdate=26 May 2013}}</ref>

=== Pollination ===
The complex mechanisms which orchids have evolved to achieve [[Allogamy|cross-pollination]] were investigated by [[Charles Darwin]] and described in  ''[[Fertilisation of Orchids]]'' (1862). Orchids have developed highly specialized [[pollination]] systems, thus the chances of being pollinated are often scarce, so orchid flowers usually remain receptive for very long periods, rendering unpollinated flowers long-lasting in cultivation. Most orchids deliver pollen in a single mass. Each time pollination succeeds, thousands of ovules can be fertilized.

Pollinators are often visually attracted by the shape and colours of the labellum. However, some ''[[Bulbophyllum]]'' species attract male fruit flies (''[[Bactrocera]]'' spp.) solely via a floral chemical which simultaneously acts as a floral reward (e.g. [[methyl eugenol]], raspberry [[ketone]], or [[zingerone]]) to perform pollination.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Tan K.H. |author2=Nishida R. | year = 2000 | title = Mutual reproductive benefits between a wild orchid, ''Bulbophyllum patens'', and ''Bactrocera'' fruit flies via a floral synomone | url = | journal = Journal of Chemical Ecology | volume = 26 | issue = | pages = 533–546 }}, '''28''':1161-1172 and '''31'''(3): 509-519.</ref>  The flowers may produce attractive odours. Although absent in most species, [[nectar]] may be produced in a [[spur (biology)|spur]] of the labellum ('''8''' in the illustration above), or on the point of the sepals, or in the septa of the ovary, the most typical position amongst the [[Asparagales]].

In orchids that produce pollinia, pollination happens as some variant of the following sequence: when the pollinator enters into the flower, it touches a viscidium, which promptly sticks to its body, generally on the head or abdomen. While leaving the flower, it pulls the pollinium out of the anther, as it is connected to the viscidium by the caudicle or stipe. The caudicle then bends and the pollinium is moved forwards and downwards. When the pollinator enters another flower of the same species, the pollinium has taken such position that it will stick to the stigma of the second flower, just below the rostellum, pollinating it. The possessors of orchids may be able to reproduce the process with a pencil, small paintbrush, or other similar device.<!---can an editor possibly upload a picture/video? --->

[[File:Ophrys apifera flower2.jpg|thumb|left|upright|''[[Ophrys apifera]]'' is about to self-pollinate]]
Some orchids mainly or totally rely on [[self-pollination]], especially in colder regions where pollinators are particularly rare. The caudicles may dry up if the flower has not been visited by any pollinator, and the pollinia then fall directly on the stigma. Otherwise, the anther may rotate and then enter the stigma cavity of the flower (as in ''[[Holcoglossum amesianum]]'').

The slipper orchid ''[[Self-pollination#Paphiopedilum parishii|Paphiopedilum parishii]]'' reproduces by self-fertilization.  This occurs when the anther changes from a solid to a liquid state and directly contacts the stigma surface without the aid of any pollinating agent or floral assembly.<ref name="pmid22649529">{{cite journal |vauthors=Chen LJ, Liu KW, Xiao XJ, Tsai WC, Hsiao YY, Huang J, Liu ZJ |title=The anther steps onto the stigma for self-fertilization in a slipper orchid |journal=PLoS ONE |volume=7 |issue=5 |pages=e37478 |year=2012 |pmid=22649529 |pmc=3359306 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0037478 |url=}}</ref>

The labellum of the [[Cypripedioideae]] is [[Poke bonnet|poke bonnet-shaped]], and has the function of trapping visiting insects. The only exit leads to the anthers that deposit pollen on the visitor.

In some extremely specialized orchids, such as the Eurasian genus ''[[Ophrys]]'', the labellum is adapted to have a colour, shape, and odour which attracts male insects via [[mimicry]] of a receptive female. Pollination happens as the insect attempts to mate with flowers.

Many neotropical orchids are pollinated by male [[euglossini|orchid bees]], which visit the flowers to gather volatile chemicals they require to synthesize [[pheromone|pheromonal]] attractants. Males of such species as ''[[Euglossa imperialis]]'' or ''[[Eulaema meriana]]'' have been observed to leave their territories periodically to forage for aromatic compounds, such as cineole, to synthesize pheromone for attracting and mating with females.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Kimsey Lynn Siri | year = 1980 | title = The behaviour of male orchid bees (Apidae, Hymenoptera, Insecta) and the question of leks | doi = 10.1016/s0003-3472(80)80088-1| journal = Animal Behaviour | volume = 28 | issue = 4| pages = 996–1004 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|title = Species-specific attraction to pheromonal analogues in orchid bees|url = http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00265-006-0227-8|journal = Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology|date = 2006-07-19|issn = 0340-5443|pages = 833–843|volume = 60|issue = 6|doi = 10.1007/s00265-006-0227-8|first = Yvonne|last = Zimmermann|first2 = David W.|last2 = Roubik|first3 = Thomas|last3 = Eltz}}</ref> Each type of orchid places the pollinia on a different body part of a different species of bee, so as to enforce proper cross-pollination.

A rare [[wikt:achlorophyllous|achlorophyllous]] [[Saprophyte|saprophytic]] orchid growing entirely underground in Australia, ''[[Rhizanthella slateri]]'', is never exposed to light, and depends on [[ant]]s and other terrestrial insects to pollinate it.

''[[Catasetum]]'', a genus discussed briefly by [[Charles Darwin|Darwin]], actually launches its viscid pollinia with explosive force when an insect touches a [[seta]], knocking the pollinator off the flower.

After pollination, the sepals and petals fade and wilt, but they usually remain attached to the ovary.

=== Asexual reproduction ===
Some species, such as ''Phalaenopsis'', ''Dendrobium'', and ''Vanda'', produce offshoots or plantlets formed from one of the [[node (botany)|nodes]] along the [[Plant stem|stem]], through the accumulation of growth hormones at that point. These shoots are known as ''[[keiki]]''.

=== Fruits and seeds ===
[[File:Kapselquerschnitte Orchideen.png|thumb|Cross-sections of orchid capsules showing the longitudinal slits]]
The ovary typically develops into a [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]] that is [[dehiscent]] by three or six longitudinal slits, while remaining closed at both ends.

The [[seed]]s are generally almost microscopic and very numerous, in some species over a million per capsule. After ripening, they blow off like dust particles or spores. They lack [[endosperm]] and must enter symbiotic relationships with various [[Orchid mycorrhiza|mycorrhizal]] [[basidiomycete]]ous [[fungi]] that provide them the necessary nutrients to germinate, so all orchid species are [[mycoheterotrophic]] during germination and reliant upon fungi to complete their lifecycles.
[[File:Closeup of the blossom of a Phalaenopsis.jpg|thumb|upright|Closeup of a ''Phalaenopsis'' blossom]]
As the chance for a seed to meet a suitable fungus is very small, only a minute fraction of all the seeds released grow into adult plants. In cultivation, germination typically takes weeks.

[[Horticultural]] techniques have been devised for germinating orchid seeds on an artificial nutrient medium, eliminating the requirement of the fungus for germination and greatly aiding the propagation of ornamental orchids. The usual medium for the sowing of orchids in artificial conditions is [[agar agar]] gel combined with a [[carbohydrate]] energy source. The carbohydrate source can be combinations of discrete sugars or can be derived from other sources such as [[banana]], [[pineapple]], [[peach]], or even [[tomato]] puree or [[coconut water]]. After the preparation of the agar agar medium, it is poured into [[test tubes]] or jars which are then autoclaved (or cooked in a pressure cooker) to sterilize the medium.  After cooking, the medium begins to gel as it cools.

== Taxonomy ==
{{Main|Taxonomy of the Orchid family}}

The [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomy]] of this family is in constant flux, as new studies continue to clarify the relationships between species and groups of species, allowing more [[taxa]] at several [[Taxonomic rank|ranks]] to be recognized. The Orchidaceae is currently placed in the [[Order (biology)|order]] [[Asparagales]] by the [[APG III system]] of 2009.<ref name=APGIII2009 />

Five [[subfamilies]] are recognised. The [[cladogram]] below was made according to the [[APG system]] of 1998. It represents the view that most botanists had held up to that time. It was supported by [[Plant morphology|morphological]] [[Research|studies]], but never received strong support in [[molecular phylogenetic]] studies.

{{clade|style=font-size:80%;line-height:75%
|1={{clade|1='''[[Apostasioideae]]''': 2 genera and 16 species, south-western [[Asia]]
|2={{clade|1='''[[Cypripedioideae]]''': 5 genera and 130 species, from the temperate regions of the world, as well as tropical [[Americas|America]] and tropical Asia|label2=&nbsp;Monandrae&nbsp;
|2={{clade|1='''[[Vanilloideae]]''': 15 genera and 180 species, humid tropical and subtropical regions, eastern [[North America]]
|2={{clade|1='''[[Epidendroideae]]''': more than 500 genera and more or less 20,000 species, cosmopolitan
|2='''[[Orchidoideae]]''': 208 genera and 3,630 species, cosmopolitan
}}}}}}}}}}

In 2015, a [[phylogenetic]] study<ref>{{Cite journal |author1=Guillaume Chomicki |author2=Luc P.R. Bidel |author3=Feng Ming |author4=Mario Coiro |author5=Xuan Zhang |author6=Yaofeng Wang |author7=Yves Baissac |author8=Christian Jay-Allemand |author9=Susanne S. Renner  |last-author-amp=yes | date = 2015 | title = The velamen protects photosynthetic orchid roots against UV‐B damage, and a large dated phylogeny implies multiple gains and losses of this function during the Cenozoic | journal = New Phytologist | volume = 205 | issue = 3 | pages = 1330–1341 | doi=10.1111/nph.13106}}</ref> showed strong [[Resampling (statistics)|statistical support]] for the following [[topology]] of the orchid [[Phylogenetic tree|tree]], using 9 [[Base pair|kb]] of [[plastid]] and [[Cell nucleus|nuclear]] [[DNA]] from 7 [[gene]]s, a topology that was confirmed by a [[phylogenomic]] study in the same year.<ref name=givnish2015>Thomas J. Givnish, Daniel Spalink, Mercedes Ames, Stephanie P. Lyon, Steven J. Hunter, Alejandro Zuluaga, William J.D. Iles, Mark A. Clements, Mary T.K. Arroyo, James Leebens-Mack, Lorena Endara, Ricardo Kriebel, Kurt M. Neubig, W. Mark Whitten, Norris H. Williams, and Kenneth M. Cameron. 2015. "Orchid phylogenomics and multiple drivers of their extraordinary diversification". ''Proceedings of the Royal Society, series B'' (biological sciences) '''282'''(1814):pages??. {{DOI|10.1098/rspb.2015.1553}}.{{full citation needed|date=July 2016}}</ref>

{{clade|style=font-size:80%;line-height:75%
|1={{clade|1='''[[Apostasioideae]]'''
|2={{clade|1='''[[Vanilloideae]]'''
|2={{clade|1='''[[Cypripedioideae]]'''
|2={{clade|1='''[[Epidendroideae]]'''
|2='''[[Orchidoideae]]'''
}}}}}}}}}}

=== Evolution ===

A study in the scientific journal ''[[Nature (journal)|Nature]]'' has hypothesised that the origin of orchids goes back much longer than originally expected.<ref name="Origin of the orchids">{{cite journal |author1=Santiago R. Ramírez |author2=Barbara Gravendeel |author3=Rodrigo B. Singer |author4=Charles R. Marshall |author5=Naomi E. Pierce | title=Dating the origin of the Orchidaceae from a fossil orchid with its pollinator| journal=Nature | date=30 August 2007| volume=448| url=http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v448/n7157/abs/nature06039.html| pages=1042–1042| doi=10.1038/nature06039 | pmid=17728756 | issue=7157}}</ref> An extinct species of stingless bee, ''Proplebeia dominicana'', was found trapped in [[Miocene]] [[amber]] from about 15-20 million years ago. The bee was carrying [[pollen]] of a previously unknown orchid taxon, ''[[Meliorchis caribea]]'', on its wings. This find is the first evidence of fossilised orchids to date<ref name="Origin of the orchids" /> and shows insects were active [[pollinator]]s of orchids then. This extinct orchid, ''M. caribea'', has been placed within the extant tribe [[Cranichideae]], subtribe [[Goodyerinae]] (subfamily [[Orchidoideae]]). An even older orchid species, ''[[Succinanthera]] baltica'', was described from the [[Eocene]] [[Baltic amber]] by [[George Poinar Jr.|Poinar]] & Rasmussen (2017).<ref>{{Cite journal|author1=George Poinar, Jr. |author2=Finn N. Rasmussen |year=2017 |title=Orchids from the past, with a new species in Baltic amber |journal=Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society |volume=183 |issue=3 |pages=327–333 |doi=10.1093/botlinnean/bow018 }}</ref>

Genetic sequencing indicates orchids may have arisen earlier, 76 to 84 million years ago during the [[Late Cretaceous]].<ref>[http://ir.lib.ncku.edu.tw/bitstream/987654321/108263/2/An%20overview%20of%20the%20Phalaenopsis%20orchid%20genome%20by%20BAC%20end%20sequence%20analysis.pdf "An overview of the ''Phalaenopsis'' orchid genome by BAC sequence analysis" (pdf format)].</ref>  According to [[Mark W. Chase]] ''et al.'' (2001), the overall biogeography and phylogenetic patterns of Orchidaceae show they are even older and may go back roughly 100 million years.<ref>{{cite book |author=[[Mark W. Chase]] |year=2001 |chapter=The origin and biogeography of Orchidaceae |editor=A. M. Pridgeon |editor2=P. J. Cribb |editor3=M. W. Chase |editor4=F. Rasmussen |series=Genera Orchidacearum |volume=2 |title=Orchidoideae (Part 1) |pages=1–5 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-850710-9}}</ref>

Using the [[molecular clock]] method, it was possible to determine the age of the major branches of the orchid family. This also confirmed that the subfamily [[Vanilloideae]] is a branch at the basal dichotomy of the [[monandrous]] orchids, and must have evolved very early in the evolution of the family. Since this subfamily occurs worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, from tropical America to tropical Asia, New Guinea and West Africa, and the continents began to split about 100 million years ago, significant biotic exchange must have occurred after this split (since the age of ''Vanilla'' is estimated at 60 to 70 million years).<!--non sequitur: what do the cited sources conclude?-->

=== Genera ===
{{Main|List of natural Orchidaceae genera}}
The following are amongst the most notable genera of the orchid family:{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}
{{div col|colwidth=9em}}
* ''[[Aa (plant)|Aa]]''
* ''[[Abdominea]]''
* ''[[Acampe]]''
* ''[[Acanthephippium]]''
* ''[[Aceratorchis]]''
* ''[[Acianthus]]''
* ''[[Acineta]]''
* ''[[Acrorchis]]''
* ''[[Ada (plant)|Ada]]''
* ''[[Aerangis]]''
* ''[[Aeranthes]]''
* ''[[Aerides]]''
* ''[[Aganisia]]''
* ''[[Agrostophyllum]]''
* ''[[Amitostigma]]''
* ''[[Anacamptis]]''
* ''[[Ancistrochilus]]''
* ''[[Angraecum]]''
* ''[[Anguloa]]''
* ''[[Ansellia]]''
* ''[[Aorchis]]''
* ''[[Aplectrum]]''
* ''[[Arachnis (plant)|Arachnis]]''
* ''[[Arethusa (plant)|Arethusa]]''
* ''[[Armodorum]]''
* ''[[Ascocenda]]''
* ''[[Ascocentrum]]''
* ''[[Ascoglossum]]''
* ''[[Australorchis]]''
* ''[[Auxopus]]''
* ''[[Baptistonia]]''
* ''[[Barkeria]]''
* ''[[Barlia]]''
* ''[[Bartholina]]''
* ''[[Beloglottis]]''
* ''[[Biermannia]]''
* ''[[Bletilla]]''
* ''[[Brassavola]]''
* ''[[Brassia]]''
* ''[[Bulbophyllum]]''
* ''[[Calanthe]]''
* ''[[Calypso (plant)|Calypso]]''
* ''[[Catasetum]]''
* ''[[Cattleya]]''
* ''[[Cirrhopetalum]]''
* ''[[Cleisostoma]]''
* ''[[Clowesia]]''
* ''[[Coelogyne]]''
* ''[[Coryanthes]]''
* ''[[Cycnoches]]''
* ''[[Cymbidium]]''
* ''[[Cyrtopodium]]''
* ''[[Cypripedium]]''
* ''[[Dactylorhiza]]''
* ''[[Dendrobium]]''
* ''[[Disa (plant)|Disa]]''
* ''[[Dracula (plant)|Dracula]]''
* ''[[Encyclia]]''
* ''[[Epidendrum]]''
* ''[[Epipactis]]''
* ''[[Eria]]''
* ''[[Eulophia]]''
* ''[[Gongora]]''
* ''[[Goodyera]]''
* ''[[Grammatophyllum]]''
* ''[[Gymnadenia]]''
* ''[[Habenaria]]''
* ''[[Herschelia]]''
* ''[[Ionopsis]]''
* ''[[Laelia]]''
* ''[[Lepanthes]]''
* ''[[Liparis (plant)|Liparis]]''
* ''[[Ludisia]]''
* ''[[Lycaste]]''
* ''[[Masdevallia]]''
* ''[[Maxillaria]]''
* ''[[Meliorchis]]''
* ''[[Mexipedium]]''
* ''[[Miltonia]]''
* ''[[Mormodes]]''
* ''[[Odontoglossum]]''
* ''[[Oeceoclades]]''
* ''[[Oncidium]]''
* ''[[Ophrys]]''
* ''[[Orchis]]''
* ''[[Paphiopedilum]]''
* ''[[Papilionanthe]]''
* ''[[Paraphalaenopsis]]''
* ''[[Peristeria (plant)|Peristeria]]''
* ''[[Phaius]]''
* ''[[Phalaenopsis]]''
* ''[[Pholidota (plant)|Pholidota]]''
* ''[[Phragmipedium]]''
* ''[[Platanthera]]''
* ''[[Pleione (plant)|Pleione]]''
* ''[[Pleurothallis]]''
* ''[[Pomatocalpa]]''
* ''[[Promenaea]]''
* ''[[Pterostylis]]''
* ''[[Renanthera]]''
* ''[[Renantherella]]''
* ''[[Restrepia]]''
* ''[[Restrepiella]]''
* ''[[Rhynchostylis]]''
* ''[[Roezliella]]''
* ''[[Saccolabium]]''
* ''[[Sarcochilus]]''
* ''[[Satyrium (plant)|Satyrium]]''
* ''[[Selenipedium]]''
* ''[[Serapias]]''
* ''[[Sobralia]]''
* ''[[Sophronitis]]''
* ''[[Spiranthes]]''
* ''[[Stanhopea]]''
* ''[[Stelis]]''
* ''[[Thrixspermum]]''
* ''[[Tolumnia]]''
* ''[[Trias (plant)|Trias]]''
* ''[[Trichocentrum]]''
* ''[[Trichoglottis]]''
* ''[[Vanda]]''
* ''[[Vanilla (genus)|Vanilla]]''
* ''[[Yoania]]''
* ''[[Zeuxine]]''
* ''[[Zygopetalum]]''
{{div col end}}

=== Etymology ===

The [[type (biology)|type]] [[genus (biology)|genus]] (i.e. the genus after which the family is named) is ''[[Orchis]]''. The genus name comes from the [[Ancient Greek]] {{lang|grc|[[:wikt:ὄρχις|ὄρχις]]}} (''{{lang|grc|órkhis}}''), literally meaning "[[testicle]]", because of the shape of the twin tubers in some species of ''Orchis''.<ref>{{cite book |author=Joan Corominas |year=1980 |title=Breve Diccionario Etimológico de la Lengua Castellana |publisher=Ed. Gredos |isbn=84-249-1332-9 |page=328}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Hyam |first1=R. |last2=Pankhurst |first2=R.J. |year=1995 |title=Plants and their names : a concise dictionary |publication-place=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-866189-4 |lastauthoramp=yes }}</ref> The term "orchid" was introduced in 1845 by [[John Lindley]] in ''School Botany'',<ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=orchid Online Etymology Dictionary, "orchid"].</ref> as a shortened form of ''Orchidaceae''.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Grigson |first1=G. |year=1973 |title=A Dictionary of English Plant Names |publication-place=London |publisher=Allen Lane |isbn=0-7139-0442-9 }}</ref>

== Distribution ==

Orchidaceae are [[cosmopolitan distribution|cosmopolitan]], occurring in almost every [[habitat (ecology)|habitat]] apart from [[glacier]]s. The world's richest diversity of orchid genera and species is found in the [[tropics]], but they are also found above the [[Arctic Circle]], in southern [[Patagonia]], and two species of ''[[Nematoceras]]'' on [[Macquarie Island]] at [[54th parallel south|54° south]].

The following list gives a rough overview of their distribution:{{citation needed|date=April 2014}}
* Oceania: 50 to 70 genera
* North America: 20 to 26 genera
* tropical America: 212 to 250 genera
* tropical Asia: 260 to 300 genera
* tropical Africa: 230 to 270 genera
* Europe and temperate Asia: 40 to 60 genera

== Ecology ==

A majority of orchids are [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[epiphyte]]s, which grow anchored to [[tree]]s or [[shrub]]s in the [[tropics]] and subtropics. Species such as ''[[Angraecum]] sororium'' are [[lithophyte]]s,<ref name="Whitman">{{cite journal |author1=Melissa Whitman |author2=Michael Medler |author3=Jean Jacques Randriamanindry |author4=Elisabeth Rabakonandrianina |year=2011 |title=Conservation of Madagascar's granite outcrop orchids: influence of fire and moisture |journal=[[Lankesteriana]] |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=55–67 |url=http://lankesteriana.org/lankesteriana/LANKESTERIANA%2011%281%29/9_Whitman%20et%20al.%202011.pdf |doi=10.15517/lank.v11i1.18315}}</ref> growing on rocks or very rocky soil. Other orchids (including the majority of [[temperate]] Orchidaceae) are terrestrial and can be found in habitat areas such as grasslands or forest.

Some orchids, such as ''[[Neottia]]'' and ''[[Corallorhiza]]'', lack [[chlorophyll]], so are unable to photosynthesise. Instead, these species obtain energy and nutrients by [[parasitism|parasitising]] soil fungi through the formation of [[orchid mycorrhiza]]s. The fungi involved include those that form [[Ectomycorrhizal|ectomycorrhizas]] with trees and other woody plants, parasites such as ''[[Armillaria]]'', and [[saprotroph]]s.<ref name="leake05">{{cite journal |author=Jonathan R. Leake |year=2005 |title=Plants parasitic on fungi: unearthing the fungi in myco-heterotrophs and debunking the 'saprophytic' plant myth |journal=[[Mycologist (journal)|Mycologist]] |volume=19 |issue=3 |pages=113–122 |doi=10.1017/S0269915X05003046}}</ref> These orchids are known as [[myco-heterotroph]]s, but were formerly (incorrectly) described as saprophytes as it was believed they gained their nutrition by breaking down organic matter. While only a few species are achlorophyllous [[Parasitic plant|holoparasites]], all orchids are myco-heterotrophic during germination and seedling growth, and even photosynthetic adult plants may continue to obtain carbon from their [[mycorrhiza]]l fungi.

== Uses ==
[[File:2007-12-17AdventFlowerShop02.jpg|thumb|upright|As decoration in a flowerpot]]
[[File:Blc. Paradise Jewel 'Flame' Orchid bloom.JPG|thumb|left|upright|A flower of a [[Brassolaeliocattleya|Blc.]] Paradise Jewel 'Flame' hybrid orchid plant. Blooms of the ''[[Cattleya]]'' alliance are often used in ladies' [[corsage]]s.]]

=== Perfumery ===
The [[scent]] of orchids is frequently analysed by [[perfumer]]s (using [[headspace technology]] and [[gas-liquid chromatography]]/[[mass spectrometry]]) to identify potential fragrance chemicals.<ref>{{cite journal|pmid=26886766|pmc=4757410|year=2016|author1=Gross|first1=K|title=Why Do Floral Perfumes Become Different? Region-Specific Selection on Floral Scent in a Terrestrial Orchid|journal=PLoS ONE|volume=11|issue=2|pages=e0147975|last2=Sun|first2=M|last3=Schiestl|first3=F. P.|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0147975}}</ref>

=== Horticulture ===
The other important use of orchids is their cultivation for the enjoyment of the flowers. Most cultivated orchids are [[tropics|tropical]] or [[subtropics|subtropical]], but quite a few which grow in colder climates can be found on the market. Temperate species available at nurseries include ''[[Ophrys apifera]]'' (bee orchid), ''[[Gymnadenia conopsea]]'' (fragrant orchid), ''[[Anacamptis pyramidalis]]'' (pyramidal orchid) and ''[[Dactylorhiza fuchsii]]'' (common spotted orchid).

Orchids of all types have also often been sought by collectors of both species and hybrids. Many hundreds of societies and clubs worldwide have been established. These can be small, local clubs, or larger, national organisations such as the [[American Orchid Society]]. Both serve to encourage cultivation and collection of orchids, but some go further by concentrating on conservation or research.

The term "botanical orchid" loosely denotes those small-flowered, tropical orchids belonging to several genera that do not fit into the "florist" orchid category. A few of these genera contain enormous numbers of species. Some, such as ''[[Pleurothallis]]'' and ''[[Bulbophyllum]]'', contain approximately 1700 and 2000 species, respectively, and are often extremely vegetatively diverse. The primary use of the term is among orchid hobbyists wishing to describe unusual species they grow, though it is also used to distinguish naturally occurring orchid species from horticulturally created [[hybrid (biology)|hybrids]].

=== Use as food ===
{{further information|Vanilla}}
[[File:Vanilla fragrans 4.jpg|thumb|right|Vanilla fruits drying]]
The dried seed pods of one orchid genus, ''[[Vanilla (genus)|Vanilla]]'' (especially ''[[Vanilla planifolia]]''), are commercially important as a flavouring in [[baking]], for [[perfume]] manufacture and [[aromatherapy]].

The underground tubers of terrestrial orchids [mainly ''[[Orchis mascula]]'' (early purple orchid)] are ground to a powder and used for cooking, such as in the hot beverage ''[[salep]]'' or in the Turkish frozen treat ''[[Salepi dondurma|dondurma]]''. The name ''salep'' has been claimed to come from the Arabic expression ''ḥasyu al-tha`lab'', "fox testicles", but it appears more likely the name comes directly from the Arabic name ''saḥlab''. The similarity in appearance to testes naturally accounts for ''salep'' being considered an aphrodisiac.

The dried leaves of ''Jumellea fragrans'' are used to flavour rum on [[Reunion Island]].

Some saprophytic orchid species of the group ''[[Gastrodia]]'' produce potato-like tubers and were consumed as food by native peoples in [[Australia]] and can be successfully cultivated, notably ''[[Gastrodia sesamoides]]''. Wild stands of these plants can still be found in the same areas as early aboriginal settlements, such as [[Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park]] in [[Australia]]. Aboriginal peoples located the plants in habitat by observing where [[bandicoots]] had scratched in search of the tubers after detecting the plants underground by scent.{{#tag:ref|Early western district (Vic.) settler gives account of local Aboriginal people gathering potato orchid tubers, digging where bandicoots had scratched.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Zola|first1=Nellie|last2=Gott|first2=Beth|title=Koorie Plants, Koorie People: Traditional Aboriginal Food, Fibre and Healing Plants of Victoria|date=1992|publisher=Koorie Heritage Trust Incorporated|isbn=978-1-875606-10-8|page=38}}</ref>|group=Note}}

=== Traditional medicinal uses ===
Orchids have been used in [[traditional medicine]] in an effort to treat many diseases and ailments. They have been used as a source of [[herbal remedies]] in China since 2800 BC. ''[[Gastrodia elata]]'' is one of the three orchids listed in the earliest known Chinese Materia Medica (''Shennon bencaojing'') (c. 100 AD). [[Theophrastus]] mentions orchids in his ''Enquiry into Plants'' (372–286 BC).

== Cultural symbolism ==
Orchids have many associations with symbolic values. For example, the orchid is the City Flower of [[Shaoxing]], China. ''[[Cattleya mossiae]]'' is the national Venezuelan flower, while ''[[Cattleya trianae]]'' is the national flower of [[Colombia]]. [[Vanda 'Miss Joaquim'|''Vanda'' 'Miss Joaquim']] is the national flower of [[Singapore]], ''[[Guarianthe skinneri]]'' is the national flower of [[Costa Rica]] and ''[[Rhyncholaelia digbyana]]'' is the national flower of [[Honduras]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.angelfire.com/ca5/mas/simbolos/simb001.html | title=Simbolos Patrios | accessdate=2008-06-22|language=es}}</ref> ''[[Prosthechea cochleata]]'' is the national flower of [[Belize]], where it is known as the ''black orchid''.<ref name="Government of Belize">{{cite web |url=http://www.governmentofbelize.gov.bz/ab_symbols.html |title=National Symbols|publisher=Government of Belize |accessdate=2008-04-06|work=}}</ref> ''[[Lycaste skinneri]]'' has a white variety (alba) which is the national flower of [[Guatemala]], commonly known as ''Monja Blanca'' (White Nun). [[Panama]]'s national flower is the ''Holy Ghost orchid'' (''[[Peristeria elata]]''), or 'the flor del Espiritu Santo'.

Orchids native to the Mediterranean are depicted on the ''[[Ara Pacis]]'' in Rome, until now the only known instance of orchids in ancient art, and the earliest in European art.{{#tag:ref|The symbolic (or even religious) meaning of the ''Ara Pacis'' orchids is not yet known.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Jarrett A. Lobelli |year=2012 |title=The Emperor's orchids |journal=[[Archaeology (magazine)|Archaeology]] |volume=66 |issue=1 |page=16 |url=http://www.archaeology.org/1301/trenches/roman_ara_pacis_altar_flowers.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6CsSIPBE3 |archivedate=13 December 2012}}</ref>|group=Note}}
<gallery mode="packed" heights=" 88px" caption="Some cultivars">
A and B Larsen orchids - Cattleya Mrs Mahler Mem Fred Tompkins 659-9.jpg|''Cattleya'' Mrs. Mahler 'Mem. Fred Tompkins'
File:A and B Larsen orchids - Cattleya Queen Sirikhit Diamond Crown DSCN4414.JPG|''Cattleya'' Queen Sirikhit 'Diamond Crown'
A and B Larsen orchids - Cattleya Hawaiian Wedding Song Virgin 674-23.jpg|''Cattleya'' Hawaiian Wedding Song 'Virgin'
Blc Chia-lin.jpg|''Rhyncholaeliocattleya'' Chia Lin
<!-- File:Orchids in the Botanical Garden of Peradeniya 03.JPG -->
A and B Larsen orchids - Cattleya Hawaian Variable Prasan 336-2.jpg|''Cattleya'' Hawaiian Variable 'Prasan'
File:A and B Larsen orchids - Cattleya Barbara Belle DSCN8696.JPG|''Cattlianthe'' Barbara Belle
File:Cattleya Beaumesnil Parme 1001 Orchids.jpg|''Cattleya'' Beaumesnil 'Parme'
File:A and B Larsen orchids - Cattleya Chocolate Drop x Pao de Acucar 507-21.jpg|''Cattlianthe'' Chocolate Drop x ''Cattleya'' Pão de Açúcar
File:Cattleya Empress Frederick C mossiae.jpg|''[[Cattleya mossiae]]'''Empress Frederick'
File:Cattleya Hermine.jpg|'Hermine'
File:A and B Larsen orchids - Cattleya Little AngelDSCN3349.JPG|''Cattleya'' Little Angel
File:A and B Larsen orchids - Cattleya Marjorie Hausermann York 812-4.jpg|''Cattleya'' Marjorie Hausermann 'York'
File:A and B Larsen orchids - Cattleya Miva Breeze Alize 930-23.jpg|'Miva Breeze Alize'
File:Blc Nobiles carnival.jpg|''Rhyncholaeliocattleya'' 'Nobile's carnival'
File:Cattleya Pernell George Barnett "Yankee Clipper" (3072486817).jpg|''Cattleya'' Pernel George Barnett 'Yankee Clipper'
File:Cattleya Portia.jpg|''Cattlianthe'' Portia

</gallery>

== See also ==
{{div col|colwidth=32em}}
* ''[[Adaptation (film)]]'', based on ''[[The Orchid Thief]]''
* [[Distribution of orchid species]]
* [[Italian Group for Research on Wild Orchid]]
* [[Lantingji Xu]], introduction to the Orchid Pavilion Collection from Fourth Century China
* [[Moyobamba]], known as the "City of Orchids", which has some 3,500 species of orchid native to the area
* [[Orchids of the Philippines]]
* [[Orchids of Western Australia]]
* [[Nero Wolfe]], a fictional detective and orchidophile
* [[Orchid Pavilion Gathering]]
* [[Orchidelirium]], the Victorian era of flower madness in which collecting and discovering orchids reached extraordinary levels
* [[Shangsi Festival]]
* [[Orchid Conservation Coalition]]
{{div col end}}

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=Note}}

== References ==
{{reflist|32em}}

== External links ==
{{Wikinews|American botanist Lou Jost discovers world's smallest orchid}}
* [http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Orchidaceae/ Orchidaceae] at [http://www.theplantlist.org/ ''The Plant List'']
* [http://delta-intkey.com/angio/www/orchidac.htm Orchidaceae] at [http://delta-intkey.com/angio/ ''The Families of Flowering Plants (DELTA)'']
* [http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/Research/APweb/orders/asparagalesweb.htm#Orchidaceae Orchidaceae] at the [http://www.mobot.org/mobot/research/apweb/ ''Angiosperm Phylogeny Website'']
* [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=10638 Orchidaceae] at the online [http://www.fna.org/ ''Flora of North America'']
* [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=10638 Orchidaceae] at the online [http://hua.huh.harvard.edu/china/ ''Flora of China'']
* [http://greif.uni-greifswald.de/floragreif/?flora_search=Taxon&action=genus&fam=Orchidaceae Orchidaceae] at the online [http://greif.uni-greifswald.de/floragreif/ ''Guide to the Flora of Mongolia'']
* [http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/family.php?family_id=161 Orchidaceae] at the online [http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/index.php ''Flora of Zimbabwe'']
* [http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/22787 Orchidaceae] at the online [http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/ ''Flora of the Western Australian'']
* [http://floraseries.landcareresearch.co.nz/pages/Taxon.aspx?id=_5200364d-6ee3-40d1-9031-4539ee3c4a22&fileName=Flora%202.xml Orchidaceae] at the online [http://floraseries.landcareresearch.co.nz/pages/index.aspx ''Flora of New Zealand'']
* [http://www.chileflora.com/Florachilena/FloraEnglish/PIC_FAMILIES_SIMPLE_Orchidaceae.php Orchidaceae] at [http://www.chileflora.com/ ''Chileflora'']
* [http://www.epidendra.org/ EPIDENDRA] The Global Orchid Information Network
* [http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herbarium/orchidatol/ Orchid Tree of Life] at the [http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/ ''Florida Museum of Natural History'']
* [http://www.orchid.unibas.ch/iconography.search.php World Orchid Iconography] at the [http://www.orchid.unibas.ch/ ''Swiss Orchid Foundation'']
* [http://libx.bsu.edu/cdm4/collection.php?CISOROOT=/BrckrOrchd Dr. C.E. Bracker Orchid Photographs] at [http://libx.bsu.edu/ ''Ball State University''].
* [http://apps.rhs.org.uk/horticulturaldatabase/orchidregister/ International Orchid Register] at the [https://web.archive.org/web/20090627034217/http://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/registration_orchids.asp ''Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)'']
* [http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org/ Orchid Conservation Coalition] A grassroots movement towards orchid conservation
* [http://www.orchidsofindonesia.com/ Orchids of Indonesia] Photos of Indonesia native orchids
* [http://www.juliantrubin.com/schooldirectory/orchidologists.html Orchidology Milestones: Famous Orchidologists and Notable Contributions]
* [http://orchid.org.uk/ orchid.org.uk], The North of England Orchid Society
* [http://www.europeanorchidcouncil.eu/index.html European Orchid Council]
* [http://www.orquideasdehonduras.com/ Orquídeas de Honduras] The web for the Orchids of Honduras
* [http://www.orkidelerimiz.com/ Orkidelerimiz – Orchids of Turkey] A Systematic approach on Anatolian Orchids by Nejdet BOZKURT
* [https://bigbooklet.com/orchids.html Addition information about Orchids from "Oxford Junior Encyclopedia"]
* [http://data.kew.org/cgi-bin/vpfg1992/genlist.pl?ORCHIDACEAE Orchidaceae] {{color|green|At:}} [http://data.kew.org/vpfg1992/genlist.html#M monocots] {{color|green|At:}} [http://data.kew.org/vpfg1992/genlist.html List Genera within a Family] {{color|green|At:}} [http://data.kew.org/vpfg1992/vascplnt.html Vascular Plant Families and Genera] {{color|green|At:}} [http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/about.do About the Checklist] {{color|green|At:}} [http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/home.do World Checklist of Selected Plant Families] {{color|green|At:}} [http://epic.kew.org/datasources.htm#NAMES Plant Names] {{color|green|At:}} [http://epic.kew.org/datasources.htm Data Sources] {{color|green|At:}} [http://epic.kew.org/index.htm ePIC] {{color|green|At:}} [http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/scientific-research-data/resources-and-databases/databases Databases] {{color|green|At:}} [http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/scientific-research-data/resources-and-databases Resources and databases] {{color|green|At:}} [http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/research-data Scientific research and data] {{color|green|At:}} [http://www.kew.org/science-conservation Science and conservation] {{color|green|At:}} [http://www.kew.org/ Kew Gardens]

{{Ack-Wikipedia}}

[[Category:Asparagales]]