Orchidaceae (family)

Orchidaceae, commonly known as the orchid family, is one of the largest and most diverse plant families, with over 25,000 species worldwide. Orchids are known for their intricate, often fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. They thrive in various environments, from tropical rainforests to grasslands. Orchids have specialized reproductive structures and unique relationships with surrounding fungi, which help their seed germination. Many orchids are cultivated for their beauty and fragrance, making them popular in horticulture. Despite their diversity, orchids generally share features like bilateral symmetry of flowers, a specialized pollination strategy, and an often epiphytic (tree-growing) lifestyle.