Ochid

Ochid is commonly a misspelling of orchid. In most contexts it refers to orchids, members of the family Orchidaceae, one of the largest groups of flowering plants. Orchidaceae contains roughly 28,000 to 32,000 species in about 700 to 850 genera, with a worldwide distribution and greatest diversity in tropical regions.

Orchids are known for their diverse and often intricate flowers. Most have bilateral symmetry, a specialized lip or labellum, and a fused column that houses the reproductive organs. Many species are epiphytic, growing on other plants, especially trees, and they obtain moisture from rain and air rather than soil. Others are terrestrial or lithophytic, living on the ground or on rocks. The relationships between orchids and their pollinators are frequently highly specific and have driven a wide range of flower forms and scents.

Orchids are cultivated as ornamental plants and are among the world’s most valuable horticultural crops. They require conditions that mimic their natural habitats: bright, indirect light; moderate to high humidity; good air circulation; and a well-draining growing medium such as bark or sphagnum moss. Propagation is commonly by division, keikis (plantlets on a stem), or advanced seed culture in controlled environments. Popular genera include Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Vanda, with thousands of cultivars created through hybridization.

Conservation and etymology: Habitat loss, over-collection, and illegal trade threaten many species. Some are protected under CITES. The name orchid derives from the Greek orchis, meaning testicle, a reference to the shape of the plant’s root in some species. The term “Ochid” is generally considered a misspelling of “orchid.”