Orchid plantsOrchids are one of the largest flowering plant families and over 25,000 species of orchids have been documented. Hundred of hybrid orchids are developed every year. Most orchids grow in tropical areas of Africa, Asia, South America , though some species also flower in temperate climates. All natural occurring orchid species are covered by CITES.
Based on the way they retrieve nutrients, orchids can be classified as
1. Most orchids are epiphytes , which grow on other trees and shrubs and are not rooted in the ground. The trees only provide support, the orchids produce their own nutrients through photosynthesis
2. A few orchids grow on rocks or rocky soils, deriving nutrients from humus, rainwater and their own dead tissues
3. Most temperate orchids are terrestrial plants, growing in the soil or the loose substrate , from which they absorb nutrients
4. Some orchids do not have chlorophyll and depend on soil fungi for nutrients.
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