orchid
What is the origin of the word “orchid”?
What is the ecological distribution of orchids?
What is the economic importance of orchids?
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orchid, (family Orchidaceae), any of a large family of nearly 900 genera and more than 26,000 species of attractively flowered plants distributed throughout the world, especially in wet tropics. Orchidaceae (order Asparagales) is arguably the largest angiosperm family, frequently surpassing the aster family (Asteraceae) as new species are discovered. The word orchid is derived from the Greek word (orchis) for testicle because of the shape of the root tubers in some species of the genus Orchis. These nonwoody perennial plants are generally terrestrial or epiphytic herbs (i.e., growing on other plants rather than rooted in soil). Those attached to other plants often are vinelike and have a spongy root covering called the velamen that absorbs water from the surrounding air. Most species manufacture their own food, but some are helped to obtain nourishment by a fungus living in their roots. See also list of plants in the family Orchidaceae.