These "air plants" grow on other plants or trees for support rather than nutrients. They have specialized silvery roots covered in velamen , which absorbs moisture and nutrients directly from the air and rain.

Unlike most plants, orchids have their male and female reproductive parts fused into a single structure called the . Their pollen is typically gathered into waxy masses known as pollinia , designed to stick to the bodies of specific insects or birds. Growth Habits and Diversity Orchids are generally categorized into two growth habits:

These grow in the ground and are common in temperate regions. They often utilize underground tubers to store energy. The Symbiotic Secret

What defines an orchid is not just its beauty, but its unique biological structure. Most orchids are characterized by a bilateral symmetry (zygomorphism), meaning the flower can be divided into two equal halves. A defining feature is the , or "lip," a modified petal that serves as a landing pad for pollinators.