Q: How do I know that a plant is an orchid?

A: The flowers generally have three sepals and three petals with one petal often highly developed to form of a lip (labellum). The stigma and stamens are combined into a structure called a column. Also, the pollen are clumped into solid masses called pollinia.

Q: What is the smallest known orchid?

A: It was a Platystele, however; a smaller orchid (approximately 2mm across) has recently been found called a Lepanthes (Guatemala, Central America)

Q: What is the largest known orchid?

A: This title is currently held by Grammatophyllum speciosum (known as the Queen of orchids) Malaysia, Sumatra and New Guinea. Kew’s specimen is currently over 5.5m across!

Q: What is considered the smelliest orchids in the world?

A: It is called Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis (Papua New Guinea) – smell is perceived differently by different people, however; some describe it as dead rats, herd of rotting elephants or smelly socks – Yuck!

Q: What is one of the ugliest known orchid?

A: Gastrodia agnicellus (Madagascar) Ugliness is of course in the eye of the beholder, however; this species flower looks like a soul sucking eyeless worm! 

Q         What makes orchids so fascinating?

A: They are one of the largest plant families that have evolved to exploit many different growing niches and indeed many symbiotic relationships with other animals, insects birds etc.

Q: Am I too young or too old to join Bournemouth Orchid Society?

A: No and never. We value everyone who has an interest in orchids regardless.

Q: What am I missing by not joining an orchid society?

A: Besides the access to many plants with straightforward growing advice, a chance to make friendships, with like-minded people, often for life.

Q: Do some orchid flowers imitate specific insects to achieve pollination?

A: Yes – example Fly Orchid (it can be found growing on chalk downland)

Q: Are some orchid species pollinated by hummingbirds?

A: Yes – example Cattleya coccinea (Brazil)

Q: What am I missing by not attending our next orchid show?

A: You will be blown away by the sheer variety and colour of many different orchids not usually available to public access. You will also learn that, despite common acceptance, many orchids are fragrant!

Q: Where can I buy different orchids than those generally seen in supermarkets?

A: A good place to see many different orchids for sale is at one of our orchid shows.

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