Family Orchidaceae

Family Orchidaceae

There are more than 15,000 species in the Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) which makes it even bigger than the Grass Family. Some orchid flowers imitate a challenging male insect and induce a pollinating bee to attack them while others have the shape, colour or scent of a female insect to act as a lure. Those which use flies as pollinators may have a putrid scent and some attract birds with bright colours. [CH] {FW}