Orkidea

Orkidea is the term used in Indonesian and several other languages to refer to orchids, the flowering plants belonging to the family Orchidaceae. The family is one of the largest in the plant kingdom, with an estimated 28,000 species distributed across around 800 genera. The name orchid comes from the Greek orchis, historically used to describe the plant’s root-like structures in some species.

Orchid flowers are typically bilaterally symmetrical and often highly specialized for pollination by specific insects or birds. Each flower usually includes three petals and three sepals, with one petal modified into a prominent labellum (lip) that aids pollinator attraction and guidance. The reproductive structure, called the column, combines the stamens and pistil. Orchids exhibit a wide range of growth forms, including epiphytic (growing on other plants), lithophytic (on rocks), and terrestrial species. Many rely on symbiotic mycorrhizal associations with fungi to germinate and obtain nutrients in the wild. Roots often have a velamen layer that helps absorb moisture.

Orchids occur on every continent except Antarctica, with a diversity hotspot in tropical regions of Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Epiphytic species are particularly common in tropical forests, living high in the canopy and obtaining moisture from the air and rainfall.

Cultivation and trade: Orchids are popular as ornamental plants and are cultivated worldwide. They require careful attention to light, humidity, temperature, and well-draining media. Many species are highly specialized, while others are more forgiving, making them prominent in commercial horticulture. Propagation methods include division, backbulbs, and, in modern horticulture, tissue culture.

Conservation: Habitat loss, over-collection, and climate change threaten numerous orchid species. Ex situ conservation, responsible cultivation, and habitat protection are central to ongoing efforts to preserve orchid diversity. Notable genera include Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Vanda.