Orchid flower structure

 

Orchid flower structure


Know the morphology of orchids

Orchids exist virtually everywhere in the world except Antarctica. Due to its wide geographic distribution, it is natural that such a diverse group also presents adaptations to the most different climates. Thus, the types of orchids that predominate in each area of ​​the planet are quite variable. For example, in humid tropical regions, where light and humidity are abundant, orchids assume an epiphytic habit. In temperate climate regions, where grass is predominant, or in dry regions such as savannah areas and rocky fields, orchids are terrestrial plants, with well-developed underground root formations, sometimes with the formation of tubercles equipping -them to withstand the cold and snow, or prolonged drought and fire.

Even having adaptations in the most varied climates, its morphological structure remains the same. We will simplify its structure and later on, we will detail each existing part of the orchid.
Orchid flowers are formed by three outermost units, called SEPALES that have the function of protecting the reproductive organs of the flower. In addition to the sepals, there are the PETALS , which in most cases have the same color as the sepals. The petals are also three - two are similar in shape and color and one of them is well differentiated, bigger and more showy which we call LABELO .

Orchid flower structure
Most orchids are hermaphrodites, but within the Orchidaceae family, some genera have male and female organs in separate flowers, as in the cases of Catasetum. In hermaphrodite orchids, the male and female organs are fused into a single, fleshy structure that has the shape of a club in the center of the flower and is called a COLUMN or GYMNOSTEMIUM.




The male part of the flower is called ANDROCEUS and is located restricted to the apex of the column. The androecium has a compartment called anther, in which the pollen grains are produced, which are grouped in pollen, each flower has from two to eight pollen. The female part is the GYNAECEUM , which is divided into the stigma and the ovary. The stigma is located below the anthers and the ovary is located below the spine and has thousands of ovules.