The History of Orchids

Orchids originated on the supercontinent Laurasia, located in the northern hemisphere, around 85 million years ago. This means that early orchids shared the Earth with dinosaurs! Orchids are known for being one of the most diverse species groups in the world and are comprised of an estimated 29,500 individual species. However, most of that diversity arose within the last 5 million years, with the fastest speciation rates occurring in southeastern Central America. (Sadly, many orchid species are now under threat from climate change, deforestation, and illegal trade.) Interestingly, orchids can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and they even grow north of the Arctic Circle. Orchids are extremely popular all over the world today; due to their beauty, they are frequently given as gifts and are often cultivated by houseplant enthusiasts, too.