Orchid

flowers · tropical · pollinators · survival tricks

Masters of disguise. Some orchids look so much like female insects that male insects try to mate with them, accidentally spreading pollen in the process. It's nature's sneakiest way to get pollinated.

Tree climbers. Many orchids grow on tree branches high in the jungle canopy instead of in the ground. They're called epiphytes, and they grab water and nutrients from the air and rain.

Fungal friends. Orchid seeds are impossibly tiny and can't grow without help from special fungi in the soil. The fungi act like a lifeline, giving the seed the food it needs to survive.

Found everywhere. Orchids live on every continent except Antarctica, thriving in rainforests, mountains, and even grasslands. The tropics have the most orchid species, with thousands of different kinds.

Scent signals. Many orchids produce sweet fragrances, bright colors, and special patterns to attract pollinators from far away. Some even smell like rotting meat or other stinky things to trick specific insects.