Orchids get their name from the Greek word “orchis”, which means testicle. Orchids have over 17000 species and come in variety of pure colors and combinations. White is the color associated with purity, virtue, and innocence. Hence, white adds a hint of elegance and glam to the orchid flower.
Orchids collectively form a family called Orchidaceae, which account for nearly thirty thousand members of the plant kingdom. These flowers grow mainly in the tropics although species are found everywhere except in arid dessert regions. They have been largely domesticated for their monetary value and the orchid trade is today one of the largest profitable botanical vocations in the world. Most of the orchids that are sent across the planet originate in South America, Central America, and Tropical Asia. Many of the species that are part of this trade are being hybridized to reap in more profits. Although this may be beneficial to national economies, the plant kingdom is suffering as a consequence. Many orchid species are so hybridized that none of the original characteristics are sustained. These hybrid species, though far more sturdy have much shorter life spans and are hard to reproduce. Moreover, these hybrid species, when accidentally released into the wild, slowly wipe out indigenous species through competition.
The greatest sufferer in this race for survival is the white orchid. White is generally a recessive color in the plant kingdom and when white orchids are crossbred with colored ones, there is only a 3:1 chance that the offspring will be white. In fact, most white orchid plants end up with bicolor off springs in their second or third bloom. Naturally, white orchids are generally more abundant on the African continent, although the only pure strain white orchid comes from Thailand. Orchids belonging to the genii Aerangiis, Angraecum, Cyrtorchis, Neobenthamia, and Rangeris are exquisitely white.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Orchids
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
There are around 33,000 known species and over 200,000 hybrids of orchids on this planet. Named after the Greek word ‘orchis’, orchids originated in the tropical and the semi-tropical regions of Asia, South and Central America and the U.K. These beautiful flowers can easily last...
-
Indoor Orchids
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Orchids are amongst the largest flowering plant families in the world. They are rare and exotic, steeped in myth and romance, and have been the symbols of pure, undying love. There are about 17000 original species of them and many more manmade hybrids. They are...
-
Orchids for Sale
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Flower lovers grow orchids at home and in huge nurseries around the world. Orchids are beautiful, fascinating flowers, and with over 33,000 different types of species, they offer a huge choice to people using them for decorating and ornamental purposes. A large number of these...
-
Care of Orchids
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
One of the most beautiful flowers, the orchid has survived all these years in a natural, harsh environment. They are found merrily swinging on top of the trees and on the slopes of green mountains. They thrive in the lap of nature, doing fine without...
-
Growing Orchids
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Growing orchids is a beautiful task. You may want to grow this royal family of plants either at home or commercially, but a lot of care and perseverance is required to produce a healthy, full-bloom exotic variety. You have thousands of different orchids to choose...
-
Wild Flowers
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Wild flowers are Nature’s miracle of miracles. They bring color, perfume, and distinction to the diverse environments in which they grow. Wildflowers, however, can be as ecologically devastating as they are beautiful. Some wildflowers are native to the countries in which they are found. Others...
-
Wild Flower Seed
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
While selecting flowers seeds for gardens or for landscaping purposes, an increasing number of people are selecting wildflower varieties. Botanists and flower enthusiasts advocate against the usage of the term “wildflower”. Expressions such as “native”, “exotic” or “introduced species” are recommended to refer to flowers...
-
Growing Hibiscus
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Before growing Hibiscus, a fair amount of planning is required. Do you want to grow them in your garden, use them for landscaping or hedging or keep them pots that can be kept indoors or out? What size and type of plant do you want?...
-
A Guide To Red Roses
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
William Shakespeare penned the words, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose/By any other name would smell as sweet.” From the days of Romeo and Juliet to modern times, a red rose has been synonymous with love. Today, roses are popular all...
-
Hawaiian Flowers
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The flowers found in the Hawaiian Islands include a wide range of orchids, anthurium, and protea. Some of these flowers have become beautiful representatives of the islands. Some have been extensively used in leis. Other stunning flowers have been known throughout the globe because of...