I did not really need to tell you that, because you already knew it. However, since I started OrchidNotes twitter account, @OrchidNotes, I’ve gained an appreciation of some of the other orchids which grow beyond the shores of Australia. True, in Australia, we probably have the greatest diversity of orchids, with over 193 genera, over 1300 named species, with 95% being endemic to Australia. 82% of our orchids are terrestrial. (Jones 2006, pp. 12-13) So today, I’m going to do something that I have not done before, and share some pictures of orchids which I have never ever seen (but would like to see, maybe one day).
Monkey Face Orchid
The Monkey Face Orchid is so realistic, and I’ve seen so many pictures of this orchid. It appears to have a lot of variation across the flowers.

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Bee Orchid
So there is the bee orchid, ophrys apifera. I love the little smile that it has. It grows in Europe.

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Lady Slipper’s Orchid
This is another European orchid. It has quite spectacular colouring, especially captured by the sun light as seen in this picture below.

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The Flying Orchid
This flower actually has an intreging was of making sure it is pollinated. See here for more information.

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Helmet Orchid
Many of our orchids are also found in New Zealand. I found this rather cute picture of a helmet orchid. None in Australia have antennae!

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Bearded Orchid
This is an Australian orchid, which I have not feature here much, sadly. It is another incredible orchid. I love the beard.

Duck Orchid
Probably the most popular and amazing orchid in the world would be the Flying Duck Orchid, and I have seen this flower. It is incredible. This is the most popular orchid according to OrchidNotes stats.

What is you favourite orchid?
References
Jones, D. 2006. Native Orchids of Australia; A Complete Guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. pp. 12-13.
Also, here is a link to an article showing some of the orchids from the world which look like animals and birds.