Rare and Exotic Orchids

Their Nature and Cultural Significance

Author: Dr. Joel L. Schiff

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

About this book

Comprising some 28,000 different species, orchids are by far the largest flowering plant family on Earth. Every year, new species are being uncovered in the wild or created by humans, and so this number has only continued to blossom.
This book is intended for those who wish to learn about the multifaceted nature of this amazing plant. It covers many different aspects of orchid study, from its cultural history to its evolutionary development and from its first discoveries to ongoing scientific research. No matter your specialty or level of orchid expertise, you can find in this book new and fascinating facts and stories that will make you gasp, laugh, and read on. Through the many exotic and beautiful pictures permeating these pages, you will come to know something of the infinite diversity of this plant family and at last learn why so many orchid growers and fanatics have embarked on this same endless, flowering path.

Frontmatter

1. History of Orchids

Abstract

Orchids are the most highly evolved and diverse flowering plant family on Earth. The origins of these plants date back millions of years. Exactly how old the family is, however, was a longstanding subject for debate, given that there were no remains in the ancient fossil record to work with. That is until recently, when scientists conducting research through Harvard University made an extraordinary discovery [1]. In 2005, a fossil of an extinct bee, Proplebeia dominicana, was recovered in the Dominican Republic. The bee specimen was dated to be 15–20 million years old (Fig. 1.1).

Joel L. Schiff

2. What Are Orchids?

Abstract

Orchidaceae is the largest family of flowering plants in the world, having conquered every continent except Antarctica. As of 2017, the number of genera is somewhere between 736 and 900, with 28,000 species, but this number is increasing every year [1]. This is out of approximately 300,000 flowering plant species in total. About 14,000 of the orchid species are epiphytes, in that they grow on trees, although they take nothing from the tree except a perch for support. Epiphytes are mostly found in Mexico, Central and South America, as well as Asia and the Pacific Islands. Terrestrial orchids are mostly found in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Joel L. Schiff

3. Exotic Appearance

Abstract

Lord Illingworth told me this morning that there was an orchid there as beautiful as the seven deadly sins. Oscar Wilde (from A Woman of No Importance)

Joel L. Schiff

4. Deviant Sex

Abstract

Orchids have evolved a multitude of seemingly bizarre contrivances to get themselves pollinated. Indeed, Charles Darwin made painstakingly detailed studies of orchid reproduction processes, published in his 1862 book The Various Contrivances by Which Orchids Are Fertilized by Insects. This book was meant to provide further evidence in support of his revolutionary evolutionary theory, expounded in his great work On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection published 3 years earlier. Writing to publisher John Murray, Darwin said of the book, “I think this little volume will do good to the ‘Origin’, as it will show that I have worked hard at details.” Indeed he did, but his endeavors did not convince the theologically minded, as a review in the Literary Churchman concluded that the book was in essence saying, “Oh Lord, how manifold are Thy works!”

Joel L. Schiff

5. On the Scent

Abstract

Some two-thirds to three-quarters of orchid species give off aromatic fragrances, which can be less demanding for the plant than producing nectar. The scent is produced by special gland cells called osmophores that may be located on the labellum, petals, or sepals. Analysis from 150 species of 25 genera of orchids shows the presence of approximately 50 different compounds [1]. On average, an individual orchid can produce seven to ten separate compounds that it composes to suit the pollinator. A common organic compound found in more than half of species sampled was eucalyptol, which is commonly used for medicinal purposes, in flavoring, and in cosmetics.

Joel L. Schiff

Backmatter

Title: Rare and Exotic Orchids
Author: Dr. Joel L. Schiff
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-70034-2
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-70033-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70034-2

Springer Professional

About this book

Table of Contents

Frontmatter

1. History of Orchids

2. What Are Orchids?

3. Exotic Appearance

4. Deviant Sex

5. On the Scent

Backmatter