Orchids all over the world captivate people with their unique flower beauty and fascinating properties. This makes you curious about the origin of the picturesque flowers. Follow us here on a journey from prehistoric origins to modern times.
Where do orchids originally come from?
The origin of orchids lies in the tropical regions around 65 to 80 million years ago. Today, 9 out of 10 orchid species from the tropics and subtropics, with more than 1,000 genera and over 30,000 species, exist.
The floral cradle was in the primeval tropics
Scientists date the origin of orchids to the end of the Cretaceous period, around 65 to 80 million years ago in the tropical regions. At this time, tree ferns and conifers dominated the flora, while the first shrubby flowering plants developed. The original orchids did not yet float in the tops of mighty trees, but rather extended their roots into the ground. Only after an evolution of many millions of years did the magnificent flowers choose a place high up on the branches of the jungle giants.
Today 9 out of 10 orchids come from the tropics and subtropics. More than 1,000 genera contain more than 30,000 species with countless hybrids. The development is far from complete, as new species and varieties are continually being added.
Milestones in historical origin
Orchids have inspired us as ornamental, medicinal and useful plants as well as aphrodisiacs for 2,500 years. It was a long way to the modern Phalaenopsis on the windowsill. We have compiled important milestones for you here:
- In China 500 BC The first writings about orchids were created in the 1st century BC
- About 300 BC The native orchids (Orchis) are mentioned for the first time in the 1st century BC
- In 1615 the first tropical orchid blooms on the European continent
- The first flowering Cattleya labiata caused a worldwide sensation in 1818
- From 1830 to 1840, the botanist John Linley created the main work establishing orchid science
After keeping orchids was reserved for we althy families in the 19th and 20th centuries, a change began at the beginning of the 21st century. As a result of mass production in Taiwan and the Netherlands, the former luxury plants are now affordable for everyone.
Tip
Deforestation of the rainforests, agriculture and urbanization have reduced the population of orchids to such an extent that they are now threatened with extinction in the wild. Therefore, all orchid species are now listed in the Washington Species Conservation Program. Admiring and taking photos is allowed. However, picking or even digging up is punishable by high fines.