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Orchids hold the record of having a huge family among all flowers here on earth. Its ability to adjust to its surroundings is vital for its species to develop and evolve to different types and variations. Orchid types are characterized according to its location, habitat, climate conditions, light requirement, growth habit and scientific classification. Added rules must be followed though because orchids have many hybrid offshoots from one variety after another. There are 20,000 species and 900 variations and the numbers are still counting. Due to its large scope, a topic concerning orchid types such as this must be presented in brief and concise-like review rather than an elaborate explanation.
Orchid types are often times categorized based on its native location. In the United States alone, almost 50% of about 250 native orchids originate from Florida. Orchids are being classified as native and non-native species. Native orchids to America include Alaskan Reid, Calypso, Green Rein, Hooded Lady's Tresses, Pacific Coralroot, Striped Coralroot, White Bog and Flower Power among others. Non-native are Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Multiniopsis, Reed and so on and so forth. These types are vital for a usual beginner to know because it could easily distinguish a plant about its origin and expose its stature if it is an "intruder" or not.
Orchids can manage to live in different habitats. It can even quickly change its terrain to suit its survival. Orchid types of this classification are divided into three groups: epiphytes, lithophytes and terrestrial. Epiphytes are orchids that can grow on trees specifically on trunks, branches, twigs and canopies. They hold on to their host with durable root systems that are anchored in crevices and barks. Lithophytes live on rocky terrain and high stone protrusion. They hold on to the rock/stone fissures to collect nutrients. They absorb water and moisture from air. Terrestrial orchids can adapt to any earthly terrain conditions.
All orchids have thrived on specific climate conditions and they are classified as: cool-climate orchids, intermediate climate orchids, and warm climate orchids. Cool climate orchids enjoy the luxury of high elevation to achieve cold temperature and cooler cover of clouds, one example is the Cymbidium. Intermediate climate orchids are expected to grow in climates with just the right temperature and shade of the sun, one such orchid is the Paphiopedilum. Warm climate orchids live naturally in hot, humid terrain with only slightly cooler winter temperature. They take advantages of the humidity to absorb moisture in the air, one such orchid is the Cattleya.
Orchids can also be classified according to the intensity of the light required for them to live: High, medium and low. But the general rule is-orchid must be exposed for at least six hours from indirect sunlight regardless of its classification. Orchids that are not receiving any amount of light are noticeable from its dark green color leaves. On the other hand, orchids can also be classified as cultivar and hybrid. Cultivar means these are orchids, which have the mixed variety of propagation through cloning and separation to make a genetically unique plant while hybrid is a combination of genetically different orchids. It is distinguished by a grex.
Orchids according to growth habit are divided into two classifications: sympodial and monopodial. Sympodial growth habits are orchids in which its latest growth comes from a lateral shoot. Almost all sympodial orchids create a thick bulb-like structure called pseudobulbs. It keeps water and nutrients and it usually protrudes along the rhizome. One example of sympodial orchids is Cymbidium. Monopodial meanwhile are orchids which stem grows yearly from the apex. It grows straight up to the sky to reach moisture in the air. They have no pseudobulbs but instead they used their succulent leaves to store water and nutrients. One example of monopodial orchids is the Vanda.
Orchid types are classified scientifically by identifying the species or genus name followed by a unique name given by a botanist. It is made in hierarchical approach and it is being grouped according to their shared features. Classifying orchid species and identifying its type (genera) and variations are created so that we could understand more how they differ from each other in terms of the many aspects presented above. Certain rules are being adopted in the botanical community to name plants scientifically. These rules are governed by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (IBCN) and the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP).
About this Author
Mohd Rozaidi is an orchid expert. Find great information on orchid types [http://www.orchidsinformations.com/orchid-types], and also learn The Top 10 Secrets For The Best Orchid Care, visit [http://www.orchidsinformations.com].
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