Orchids are easily distinguished from other plants, as they share some very evident, shared derived characteristics, or "apomorphies". source
Orchids are easily distinguished from other plants, as they share some very evident, shared derived characteristics, or "apomorphies".
All orchids are perennial herbs that lack any permanent woody structure. source
All orchids are perennial herbs that lack any permanent woody structure.
All orchids can grow according to two patterns. source
All orchids can grow according to two patterns.
The stem of orchids with a monopodial growth can reach several metres in length, as in Vanda and Vanilla. source
The stem of orchids with a monopodial growth can reach several metres in length, as in Vanda and Vanilla.
Sympodial: Sympodial orchids have a front (the newest growth) and a back (the oldest growth). source
Sympodial: Sympodial orchids have a front (the newest growth) and a back (the oldest growth).
Sympodial orchids grow laterally rather than vertically, following the surface of their support. source
Sympodial orchids grow laterally rather than vertically, following the surface of their support.
Terrestrial orchids may be rhizomatous or form corms or tubers. source
Terrestrial orchids may be rhizomatous or form corms or tubers.
The root caps of terrestrial orchids are smooth and white. source
The root caps of terrestrial orchids are smooth and white.
In warm and constantly humid climates, many terrestrial orchids do not need pseudobulbs. source
In warm and constantly humid climates, many terrestrial orchids do not need pseudobulbs.
Like most monocots, orchids generally have simple leaves with parallel veins, although some Vanilloideae have reticulate venation. source
Like most monocots, orchids generally have simple leaves with parallel veins, although some Vanilloideae have reticulate venation.
The leaves of some orchids are considered ornamental. source
The leaves of some orchids are considered ornamental.
The Orchidaceae are well known for the many structural variations in their flowers. source
The Orchidaceae are well known for the many structural variations in their flowers.
The orchid flower, like most flowers of monocots, has two whorls of sterile elements source
The orchid flower, like most flowers of monocots, has two whorls of sterile elements
A study in the scientific journal Nature has hypothesised that the origin of orchids goes back much longer than originally expected. source
A study in the scientific journal Nature has hypothesised that the origin of orchids goes back much longer than originally expected.
Epiphytic orchids, those that grow upon a support, have modified aerial roots that can sometimes be a few meters long. source
Epiphytic orchids, those that grow upon a support, have modified aerial roots that can sometimes be a few meters long.
