The orchid seems to be one of the most endeared species in the category of popular flowers. It has derived its name from the Greek word ‘orchis’ meaning ‘testicle’. Orchids thrive well in the tropics mostly in Asia, South America and Central America. While the African orchids are usually white in colour, those found in Asia are generally multi-coloured.

Orchids are monocotyledons unlike other flowering plants which have two cotyledons or embryonic leaves. Some orchids grow a solitary flower on a single stem while in some others it comes as a cluster of flowers on a single spike. Particular species of bats, insects and birds help in the pollination of the orchid flowers.

Apart from being used for decoration on different occasions, orchids have some other uses also. Orchids are frequently used for making perfumes and since it doesn’t wither for a comparatively longer time, it is also used as a gift. Often the roots of the terrestrial orchids are powdered and used in cooking. Vanilla, obtained from one particular orchid genus is extensively used for flavouring foodstuff.

It is quite interesting to note that the city of Moyobamba, the capital of the San Martin region in Northern Peru grows some 3500 species of orchid which has earned the city its nickname - ‘the city of orchids’.