The African orchid is characterized by its small white flowers. This is different to flowers often seen in a variety of other orchid species - which are larger in size and distinctly colored in vibrant and attractive shades, such as bright yellow and red.
These vibrant flowers aid in attracting attract insects, and thus helps the flowers to pollinate.
African Orchid Facts – there are twenty-thousand plus species of orchid plants in the world. Of those, four-hundred and seventy are African species. And those then branch off into fifty-three genera (species exhibiting similar characteristics).
The two distinct species of the African orchids are the Epiphytic Orchid and Terrestrial Orchid.
Terrestrial Orchid – this type of orchid often grows on the floor of the forests of Africa. Seen in the grasslands and savannas so in abundance across the continent. These orchids grow on thorn shrubs, bushveld (tropical savanna ecoregion), fynbos (natural shrubland), and karooid shrubs. The Western Cape region has the highest concentration of orchid. And the majority of African orchids are in that terrestrial.
The African orchid doesn't have a value from an agricultural point of view. Also they do not play a significant role in the ecosystem.
However the orchids are considered to be rather peculiar plant life that shows active and accelerated evolution that has intrigued and thrilled scientist across the globe.
Epiphytic Orchids – this type of African orchid grows on trees. Even so, it isn't a parasite like other plant life that attaches itself to trees. This species of orchid can latch onto trees – and produce their own nutrients via their leaves or roots through photosynthesis. The tree is depended on, only for its humidity content.
One more type of African orchid is known as the Epilithic or Lithophytes orchid. This type of orchid is seen growing on rocks.
Birdhouses
