Epidendroideae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Epidendroid orchids |
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| Epidendrum schomburgkii | |
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Epidendroideae
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Vandoideae |
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Epidendroideae is a very large group of orchids. It is a subfamily within the bigger orchid family. This group is bigger than all other orchid subfamilies put together!
There are more than 15,000 different kinds of Epidendroid orchids. They belong to 576 different genera. Most of these orchids grow in warm, tropical places.
What are Epidendroid Orchids?
Most Epidendroid orchids are epiphytes. This means they grow on other plants, like trees. They do not take food from the tree. Instead, they use the tree for support. They get their water and nutrients from the air and rain.
Special Features of Epidendroid Orchids
Many Epidendroid orchids have special parts called pseudobulbs. These are swollen stems that look like bulbs. They help the orchid store water and food. This helps them survive dry periods.
Some Epidendroid orchids are different. A few grow in the ground, like regular plants. These are called terrestrials. An example is the Epipactis orchid.
There are also some very unusual ones. These are called myco-heterotrophs. They do not make their own food using sunlight. Instead, they get their food from fungi that live in the soil. These fungi are connected to tree roots. The orchid "borrows" food from the fungi.
See also
In Spanish: Epidendroideae para niños
