Flower power at the orchid show

There is probably no other group in the plant kingdom as intriguing and mesmerizing as that of the Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) where common names used to describe them seem to have been pulled out from some fairytale or some horror movie that we have watched in our youth. Second only to the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae), the Orchid Family is composed of over 20,000 orchid species with hundreds of new hybrids being developed yearly to the delight of orchid growers worldwide.

Common names used to describe the different forms, colors and scents of this interesting plant group have long been used and have added amusement to the orchid hobby. They are normally used for easy recall and to simplify the taxonomic names of the plant which are usually tongue twisters.