Gardening Encyclopedia 07: The Gorgeous Orchid Family, the Aristocrats of Flowers

Author: Editorial Department of "Green Life Magazine"
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Orchids, the aristocrats among flowers, seem to be a treasure that does not belong to the mortal world. Their extraordinary appearance and elegant, charming demeanor make them the nobles of flowers and immortals of the human world, which is no wonder they are deeply loved by people. When you see these vibrant and bright orchids, besides admiring their unique appearance and colorful hues, can you imagine that they originally grew in deep, rarely visited mountains and forests? Orchids are mainly divided into terrestrial and epiphytic types, most of which grow in dense, humid forests and are nurtured by gentle winds. Perhaps under such natural nourishment, these flowers that are not of this world can be born. There are approximately 25,000 native species of orchids, classified into more than 750 genera. New varieties continue to emerge. Common orchids are usually the result of scientists' efforts in continuously improving and breeding native orchids to create ornamental varieties. The history of orchid cultivation in the East and West varies greatly in length. China has records of orchids as early as the Warring States period, which have been passed down to this day, known as national orchids. Their simple and elegant characteristics seem to represent the reserved national style of the Chinese people. While the history of orchid cultivation in the West is only a few centuries old, with the development of technology, many varieties with beautiful appearances and rich colors have been cultivated, which perfectly suits their passionate and lively personalities.