Boat orchids facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boat orchids |
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| Cymbidium dayanum | |
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Cymbidieae
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Cyrtopodiinae
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| Genus: |
Cymbidium
Swartz, 1799
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See text. |
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Cymbidium is a special group of plants known as orchids. These beautiful flowers are also called "boat orchids" because of the shape of their lip, which looks a bit like a boat. There are 52 different kinds, or species, of Cymbidium orchids.
These orchids are evergreen, meaning their leaves stay green all year round. They belong to the large Orchidaceae family, which is one of the biggest plant families in the world.
Contents
What are Cymbidium Orchids?
Cymbidium orchids are a type of plant that grows in many parts of the world. They are famous for their large, colorful, and often fragrant flowers. These flowers can last for a long time, sometimes for several weeks or even months.
Many Cymbidium species are epiphytic. This means they grow on other plants, like trees, but they don't harm the tree. Instead, they use the tree for support to reach sunlight. Some Cymbidium orchids also grow on rocks or in the ground.
Where Do They Grow?
Cymbidium orchids are naturally found in tropical and subtropical parts of Asia. You can find them growing in places like India, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Australia. They usually prefer cooler climates, especially at night.
Because they like cooler temperatures, they are often found in mountain forests. They thrive in places where there is plenty of moisture in the air, like misty forests.
What Do They Look Like?
Cymbidium orchids have long, narrow leaves that can be quite tall. The flowers grow on a long stem called a flower spike. Each spike can have many flowers, sometimes more than 15!
The flowers come in many colors, including white, green, yellow, pink, and red. They often have interesting patterns or spots on their petals and lip. The lip is the most unique part of the flower, often shaped like a boat, which gives them their common name.
Why Are They Popular?
Cymbidium orchids are very popular as houseplants and for cut flowers. People love them because their flowers are so beautiful and last for a long time. They are also quite easy to grow compared to some other types of orchids.
Many new types of Cymbidium orchids have been created by crossing different species. This has led to an even wider range of colors, sizes, and flower shapes. They are a favorite for flower shows and decorations.
Images for kids
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A picture of Cymbidium aloifolium with labels showing its parts.
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