Orchid

Orchidaceae, also called the Orchid family, is the largest family of the flowering plants. Its name is derived from the genus Orchis.
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew list 880 genera and nearly 22,000 accepted species, but the exact number is unknown (perhaps as much as 25,000) since classification differs greatly in the academic world. About 800 new species are added each year. The largest genera are Bulbophyllum (2,000 species), Epidendrum (1,500 species), Dendrobium (1,400 species) and Pleurothallis (1,000 species). The family also includes the Vanilla (the genus of the vanilla plant), Orchis (type genus) and many commonly cultivated plants like some Phalaenopsis or Cattleya.
Moreover, since the introduction of tropical species in the 19th century, horticulturists have more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars.


The orchid flora of Borneo is estimated to comprise between 1400 and 1500 species, and is one of the least studied in the region. All five subfamilies of the Orchidaceae and about 150 genera are represented on the island. Many new taxa and distributional

records have resulted from recent exploration and taxonomic research. The Orchids of Borneo project aims to document a broad selection of these. Each volume in thee series describes and depicts 100 taxa. It is hoped that this series will heighten awareness of this unique natural heritage, and stimulate its conservation for future generations to enjoy.