green Orchid
PHOTO GALLERY: Orchids
Orchids are considered some of the world’s most elegant and exotic flowers. There are several reasons for their exclusive status. First, of course, is their amazing beauty. Secondly, orchids are astoundingly expensive in most developed countries. Finally, they are notoriously difficult to grow. All these factors make orchids much-sought after throughout the world.
As an avid orchid lover, I have visited several large orchid gardens during my travels around Asia over the years. I’ve enjoyed their exquisite beauty in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.
Orchids are particularly admired and loved in Japan. It was there, living in Kyoto for six years, that I was first exposed to orchids on a regular basis. They are displayed in upscale hotel lobbies, businesses, restaurants and even homes.
Later, visiting extensive orchid gardens around SE Asia I discovered the huge variety of orchid species. I’ve marveled for hours at their vibrant colors, amazing color combinations and mind-blowing forms. Most recently, here in Fiji, I visited yet another large orchid garden, where I was reminded, once again, of their exquisite beauty and variety.
I was also reminded of many amazing facts about these phenomenal flowers:
* To date, there are over 25,000 documented species of orchids.
* They are the largest family of flowering plants in the world.
* Some species of orchids can live to be over 100 years old.
* Orchids grow on every continent and in every climate of the world, save Antarctica.
* Orchids vary in size from the tiniest dime-size flower to a giant several-hundred pound species.
* Flowers of orchid plants generally do not bloom until at least 5-7 years after seed germination.
With all that in mind, please enjoy these 18 photos of orchids.
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You might also enjoy:
Photo Gallery: Colorful Birds of the World
Photo Gallery: Sunsets and Sunrises of Southern Thailand
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Hi! I'm Lash, an American nomadic world traveler who's been traveling solo since 1998. I’m passionate about traveling the world nomadically and then sharing it all with you. I hope to inspire you to travel the world, to entertain you with tales from the road, and to help you reach your travel dreams. Welcome! 
