Do you believe in Ghosts? Polyrrhiza species are known as the "Ghost orchids." They have been one of the most sought after orchids in the Florida Swamps. There are four species of this strange genus and they are native to the West Indies. These are the "leafless orchids." When you look for this orchid all you see is a tangled mess of grayish roots clinging on to a tree in the swamps. Instead of leaves performing the processes of photosynthesis it is the roots that accomplishes this process. Another nickname for Polyrrhiza is the "Frog Orchid" because they have one very large white flower that looks like a frog.
There are several non chlorphyllian orchids in this fascinating family, The genus Limodorum has some very strange species that will grow over two feet tall and produce beautiful violet-purple flowers. They are found in central and southern Europe.
Corallorhiza species are native to North America and Mexico, some can be found in Northern Asia and Europe. The have very small underdeveloped leaves but with very showy flowers.
Melaleuca uncinata is completely leafless so it requires a plant to grow on. The plant it chooses is the Broombrush. The Epipogium species found in Europe, Asia, Africa, Malaya and Australia. They have leafless stems and the flowers are produced on coral-like rhizomes.
There are even orchids that grow in the Arctic Circle-- Cypripedium passerinum, Cyp. guttatum and Coeloglossum viride. The world's southern most orchid Is Corybas macranthus. It grows on the Macquarie Island, which is located very close to Antarctica. One of the smallest flowering plants is Platystele stenostachya. They grow in Mexico, Bolivia, and Brazil. The blooms are less than 1 mm in size.
The largest orchid is Grammatophyllum papuanum or Grammatophyllum speciosum. It seems no one can agree which of these two huge monsters is the largest. They can be several meters tall and weigh over a ton! The pseudobulbs can be 25 feet tall with flower spikes reaching heights over 6 feet tall! They are nicknamed the "Giant Orchid" or "Queen Orchid."
I will leave you with this thought. How would you like an orchid that smells like, well lets say it puts out a "Very Objectionable" odour? If not then stay away from the Venezuela species Cattleya percivaliana, Because it does SMELL!
I hope you have enjoyed the strange world of the orchids and will visit next month and learn about the SPIDERS in my green house!
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