Orchids are the second largest family of plants on Earth, outnumbered them was stronger than just family grass.Currently numbering 30,000 species, and every year the numerous family joins remembers about 200 new species.It is assumed that in nature there are about 25,000 species, or hybrids, which is or will create one.
There are large differences between species in size, appearance of a flower and habitat which is not surprising given the so many members of the family. Although best known as a plant tropics, grow on the planet (except the North and South Pole and desert). Even Croatia can boast of in its territory grows 130 species of orchids, which are all protected by the Nature Protection Act. However, home to the largest number of orchid is Ecuador.
According to Darwin, orchids are at the top of the evolutionary ladder, they are considered excellent modified organisms and are often used as proof of his theory of natural selection and evolution, ie, for him they were the best evidence of natural selection and adaptation that ensures the continuation of the species.
The biggest orchid (called the tiger and the orchid, the queen of orchids) weighs about 900 kg and reaches a height of 3 m. Plant grown outdoors, when Bloom, carries up to 10,000 flowers. It grows in Sumatra, Malaysia, the Philippines. In contrast to the giant of Southeast Asia, the smallest orchid grows in Central America (Costa Rica) and "small" is a stunning 0.5 cm. The flowers have a diameter of 0.5 mm and can be seen only a magnifying glass.
In Ecuador, the Andean peaks, were discovered orchid species that are chained at night with snow and ice, as the arrival of the first morning and the sun's rays when the snow has melted, normally grow and thrive despite the harsh living conditions.
Pollinated exclusively insects or birds, so many orchid flowers resemble the partners of their pollinators that even people fall for the hoax. You can get drunk bees, but also "borrow" your scent bees that they thus attract partners.Orchid is the national flower of Singapore, but has a certain symbolism in all countries in the tropics, for example, in Hawaii it is believed that eating orchid flowers ensures that you will one day return to the islands, in China as a symbol of fertility and is believed to aid in conception, the ancient Aztecs believed that their brew made from the juice of vanilla gives strength ...
It was first mentioned in the 3rd century BC Kr, and it was mentioned by Theophrastus, exclusively for aphrodisiac properties. Over the next century, were a symbol of love, beauty and luxury. In the Middle Ages used as a cure for many diseases, but nevertheless still considered the most important ingredient in the preparation of love potions. First Orchid entered into Europe is vanilla (16th century). By the 18th century the number orchids in Europe is small and relatively unknown because the transport of exotic species has not been successful.
Vanilija- belongs to the orchid family. It is used as an aphrodisiac and is one of the few orchids that brings edible fruit. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world (after saffron), and here's why:
- She needs 4-7 years to mature, and only then creates beans
- Pollinated exclusively bees of the genus Melipona that resides only in Mexico (all other manufacturers pollinate the vanilla by hand!)
- It blooms for about two months, and every day it opens only one flower that needs to pollinate within 12 hours of opening (except in Mexico, pollination is done manually)
- After fertilization, the pod must be nine months to dozori- harvested by hand, and all the green beans do not ripen at the same time (multiple harvests)
- Pods are dried three to six months and only then ready for sale
Read other link
Orchids - all of them, parte II ...
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