Greek words orkhis mean “testicles,” according to Latin. Orchid is the Latin name for a small flower found in Asian dishes like sweet chili. Monocots weren’t the only things Greeks hated. The Middle English word for orchids is “ballockwort”.
Our answer is that with its beauty, dramatic shapes, and colors, the world of orchids has fascinated plant enthusiasts for centuries. These magnificent flowers first appeared nearly 200 million years ago and have since spread from the equator to the Arctic Circle and from the Himalayas to Australia.
What does the word Orchid mean?
The word ‘orchid’ is derived from the Greek word orchis which means testicles, and the name originates from the shape of the root tubers of the plant.
Yet another inquiry we ran across in our research was “What is the symbolic meaning of orchids?”.
While all orchids symbolize love and beauty, the color of the orchid can change the intended meaning of the flower. Blue – Orchids come in every color but true blue, but there are blue tinted orchids. These orchids represent rarity Red – Red orchids symbolize passion and desire, but can also symbolize strength and courage.
The three basic types depending on their growing habits are: Terrestrial or ground orchids grow directly in soil with proper underground root systems. Epiphytic orchids grow on some other surface instead of soil, collecting moisture and other nutrients from the air. Lithophytic orchids grow in rocks.
Where to find native orchids?
Native orchids exist in every US state and much of Canada. To find native orchids in your region, contact your local native plant society or botanic garden and ask if any are in the local collection. A botanic garden also may have lectures or sponsor field trips to help you identify wild orchids on your own.
Where in the house can I Grow my orchid?
Most Orchids are grown best in indirect, bright light, placing the orchid pots near a north-facing window may not provide them with enough light so try to place them near a near a south or east-facing window in your living room to ensure that they receive the right amount and intensity of sunlight to bloom.
Wild orchids in a market in southern China. Image courtesy of Stephan Gale. The study also uncovered some surprising trends. In the wild, the diversity of native orchid species in southern China declines from west to east, with Yunnan having the richest mix of species, followed by Guangxi, Guangdong and Hong Kong.