Plants related to the orchid are members of the Orchidaceae family. With more than 25,000 cousins in more than 800 genera, the Orchidaceaes represent the largest family of flowering plants after the daisy family. These plants are also geographically diverse. In fact, although the majority of species are found in tropical zones, some thrive in the dessert and a few even reside above the Arctic Circle.
Vanilla
The term "vanilla" is the name of a genus of orchid, of which there are more than one species. The vanilla you're familiar with as a culinary spice comes from Vanilla planifolia, a plant native to Mexico now grown commercially in many other parts of the world. In fact, the largest producer of common vanilla is Madagascar. Another species, Vanilla tahitiensis also contains vanillin, the compound responsible for the distinctive flavor and aroma of vanilla extract. As the name implies, this species is primarily cultivated in Tahiti. There are several cultivars of vanilla orchids as well.
Unlike many other kinds of orchids, vanilla grows as a vine and can climb to great heights if given sufficient support. For this reason, commercial growers carefully train the vines to descend once they reach a certain height. This not only encourages flowering, but also ensures that the bean pods can be harvested by hand.
Cattleya
According to the American Orchid Society, orchids that are members of the Cattleya genus are the most popular orchids. In fact, since most formal corsages consist of Cattleya, these flowers are known as the Queen of Orchids. This genus represents examples of hardy orchids capable of withstanding periods of drought. That's because these plants produce pseudobulbs, which act as sponge-like reserve stations to soak up and store water for later use. If you intend to grow these orchids, remember to provide a well-drained growing medium.
Paphiopedilum Esquirolei
The Paphiopedilums, also known as lady's slipper orchids, are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow on other organisms but in a non-parasitic manner. Susan Orlean, author of "The Orchid Thief: A True Story of Beauty and Obsession," explains that epiphytes abandoned the earth and took to the trees due to so many other species of flora competing for space on the jungle floor. This particular species makes its home in the tops of trees scattered throughout southern China and northern Thailand.
Lycaste
Lycastes have their roots firmly established in the soil where they grow as deciduous shrubs, shedding their foliage according to their species and locale. Some plants in this genus, such as Lycaste aromatica, readily drop their leaves seasonally. Other species, such as Lycaste skinneri, are evergreens and keep their leaves after flowering.
References
- American Orchid Society: Cattleya
- "The Orchid Thief: A True Story of Beauty and Obsession"; Susan Orlean; 1998
- American Orchid Society: Lycaste
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