orquídeas

Orquídeas are a diverse family of flowering plants, Orchidaceae, known for their striking and often intricate blooms. They are found in nearly every habitat on Earth, with the exception of polar ice caps and deserts, thriving in tropical rainforests, temperate woodlands, and even alpine regions. The family is one of the largest and most varied among flowering plants, boasting an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 species.

The characteristic structure of an orchid flower typically consists of three sepals and three petals, with one of the petals modified into a prominent lip or labellum. This lip often serves as a landing platform for pollinators and can exhibit a remarkable array of shapes, colors, and patterns. The pollination mechanisms of orchids are highly specialized, often involving specific insects, birds, or even mammals.

Orchids reproduce through seeds, which are microscopic and lack stored food reserves, requiring a symbiotic relationship with specific fungi for germination. Many orchid species are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants, typically trees, without being parasitic, obtaining nutrients and moisture from the air and rain. Others are terrestrial, growing in soil, or lithophytic, growing on rocks. Their cultivation is popular worldwide, and many species are highly sought after for their ornamental value, though some are endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection.