For Orchid Lovers Only

This week the photos are of different orchid varieties, that I have not labelled as the names were not my primary focus. The Exposition was extensive (called 1001 Orchidées) and set up inside the huge greenhouses at Jardin des Plantes, right across the river from us. In total there are around 800 genera of orchids. This link from Wikipedia lists the most notable genera of the family: Orchidaceae Genera . Within the  800 genera exist 28,000 currently accepted species. No, I did not see all 800  nor take photos of all I saw. However, you may explore any of the genera by simply clicking on the name to have a look at the characteristics of the plant.

The photos below, taken at the Expo are simply an attempt to display the colours and marvelous shapes that are the  attributes of this beautiful flower family.  And moreover, since the introduction of tropical species into cultivation in the 19th century, horticulturists have produced more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars. When you see and speak with the orchid clubs and horticultural groups and aficionados at a show like this it is plain to see how the number of cultivars grew.

I am also including this link  Canadian Orchid Congress so you can enjoy some photos of our wild varietals possibly growing in your own back yard.