Get to know the orchids.

All orchids have 3 petals and 3 sepals (outer segments). One of the petals, the lower, more attractive one, is modified; it is called the lip or labellum. In some orchids some of these parts are reduced or fused. The two lateral sepals of Paphiopedilum are fused, for example. The petals and lip of Masdevallia are greatly reduced and the sepals are broadly joined, giving the flowers a distinctive

triangular or tubular shape.

There are some plants which bear flowers greatly resembling

orchids in this arrangement of flower parts.

There are approximately 25000-30000 species and others are growing wildly.