The flower, as a reproductive organ, evolved with one primary purpose in mind –
to attract pollinators like insects or birds. This function has driven their astounding
evolutionary explosion of distinct colors and shapes, some of which have even
come to resemble various recognizable figures, plants or animals.
The colors of these flamboyant orchids attract insects and birds, signaling
that these flowers are full of tasty nectar. Their shapes, on the other hand,
often evolve to attract or accommodate specific pollinators while dissuading
parasites or other, less desirable pollinators. Some flowers are more welcoming
to bees, while others are perfect for hummingbirds or different insects.
Their stunning colors and biodiversity have attracted another type of creature
as well – us. Orchid lovers value flowers like these for their resemblance to other
Monkey Face Orchid (Dracula Simia)
Source: avaxnews.net
Source: tree-nation.com
Source: gringosabroad.com
Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Image credits: Christian Kneidinger
Image credits: José Roberto Rodrigues Araújo
Source: thefeaturedcreature.com
Naked Man Orchid (Orchis Italica)
Image credits: Ana Retamero
Source: vladimr.livejournal.com
Source: vladimr.livejournal.com
Hooker’s Lips (Psychotria Elata)
Image credits: unknown
Dancing Girls (Impatiens Bequaertii)
Image credits: unknown
Laughing Bumble Bee Orchid (Ophrys bomybliflora)
Source: arastiralim.net
Source: glaucus.org.uk
Source: thefeaturedcreature.com
Swaddled Babies (Anguloa Uniflora)
Image credits: unknown
Parrot Flower (Impatiens Psittacina)
Image credits: unknown
Source: jittinflowers.blogspot.com
Image credits: Bruce Kekule
Snap Dragon Seed Pod (Antirrhinum)
Image credits: unknown
Flying Duck Orchid (Caleana Major)
Image credits: Michael Prideaux
Image credits: Robert Andrew Price
Orchid That Looks Like A Tiger
Source: funniestmemes.com
Happy Alien (Calceolaria Uniflora)
Image credits: Butterfly voyages
Image credits: Julio Martinich
Angel Orchid (Habenaria Grandifloriformis)
Source: gardenofeaden.blogspot.com
Source: gardenofeaden.blogspot.com
Dove Orchid Or Holy Ghost Orchid (Peristeria Elata)
Image credits: Saji Antony
Image credits: Reji
Image credits: M.a.h.S
Orchid That Looks Like A Ballerina
Image credits: Tere Montero
White Egret Orchid (Habenaria Radiata)
Image credits: Rachel Scott-Renouf
Source: ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com
Image credits: Torisan3500
Darth Vader (Aristolochia Salvadorensis)
Source: hortus.leidenuniv.nl
Image credits: unknown
Source: mondocarnivoro.it
P.S. We always try our best to credit each and every photographer, but sometimes it’s impossible to track some of them. Please contact us if you know the missing authors.