Orchidinae

Orchidinae is a subtribe of orchids belonging to the family Orchidaceae. This subtribe is characterized by its monopodial growth habit, meaning the plant grows from a single stem that continuously produces new leaves and flower spikes from the apex. The leaves are typically fleshy and leathery, often strap-shaped or oval, and arranged in two ranks along the stem. The flowers of Orchidinae are generally zygomorphic, meaning they are bilaterally symmetrical, and exhibit a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes. They are often fragrant and possess a prominent lip, which is a modified petal that serves to attract pollinators.

Species within Orchidinae are found in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe, with a significant concentration in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. They inhabit diverse environments, including rainforests, cloud forests, and even drier woodlands, often growing as epiphytes on trees or lithophytes on rocks, though some are terrestrial. Pollination mechanisms in Orchidinae are highly specialized, with many species relying on specific insects, birds, or even moths for pollen transfer. The fruits are typically capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. This subtribe encompasses a large number of genera and species, making it a diverse and ecologically important group within the Orchidaceae family.