The vast, diverse orchid family uses a mind-boggling number of strategies to attract pollinators and attach pollen to them. Check out a few of their fascinating methods in the videos below — Lady in Black – Pollination in Vanilla Blowin’ in the Wind – Wind mediated pollination in orchids What Have I Done to Deserve […]
Species Orchidacearum is a free, online, serial publication, dedicated to tropical orchids. Peer-reviewed botanical works fill the five volumes already published, all highlighting Colombian orchids. Each volume details about a dozen species with scientific descriptions, photos, and maps. Check out the varieties covered so far. The goal of these publications is to promote universal access […]
I doubt that any photo of ancient Coast Redwoods can convey how massive these giants are. When standing before them in person, it’s impossible to comprehend their height. Looking up their straight trunks, and then looking up some more, you finally see the tree canopy against the sky. It’s hard to avoid straining your neck. […]
The famous scientist Charles Darwin was fascinated with orchids. Three years after releasing his groundbreaking work, On the Origin of Species, his next book was all about orchids. It was published in 1862, back when book titles were much longer, and was called On the Various Contrivances by Which British and Foreign Orchids Are Fertilised […]
There have always been irresponsible or criminal people who destroy the nature that they claim to love. Social media seems to have worsened that trend. Some are so focused on getting a popular photo that they trample over rare plants. Others rip out surrounding greenery to take a clearer shot. I’ve watched in horror as […]
For over 120 years, the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has employed an official artist to render portraits of award-winning orchids. This stunning art is not only beautiful, but also precise in its botanical elements, making it better than photographs for discerning floral details. Since 1897, there have been nine official artists who have painted […]
Celebrate today’s spring equinox with these astounding orchid prints. Rankafu, which means Orchid Flower Album in Japanese, consists of 83 works done in 1946 by orchid lover Shotaro Kaga and artist Zuigetsu Ikeda. These woodblock prints are considered masterpieces for their exquisite colors, fine details, and expert use of difficult ukiyo-e printing techniques. In addition […]
Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, California is packed with incredible cacti and succulents. As my mother-in-law said, “This garden just screams OUCH!” Spines, thorns, and barbs abound, along with stunning flowers, brilliant leaf colors, and striking plant forms. The 2.5 acre (1 hectare) public garden features thousands of drought tolerant plants, from tiny succulents […]
No matter where you live, every orchid lover needs A Bay Area Guide to Orchids and Their Culture by Mary E. Gerritsen and the San Francisco Orchid Society. This well-written book has hundreds of beautiful photos and lots of helpful orchid info. There are concise sections on care basics, explanations of the Bay Area’s varied […]
Enjoy this beautiful National Geographic article with expert photography advice. Photojournalist Christian Ziegler, whose work includes Deceptive Beauties: The World of Wild Orchids, shares tips for taking great pictures. Don’t miss the photo gallery with his stunning orchid shots.
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