Like the rose, the orchid has long held a priviledged in man's heart. During the Ancient and Medieval period, the orchid was prized for its medicinal uses. It was during the seventeenth century that the tropical orchids first made its way to Europe, as part of the many exotic treasures brought by the explorers. Ever since, Western botanists have studied, catalogued, cultivated and experimented with this plant.

Today, there is a huge range of splendid orchids to choose from, many of which will flourish on your window sill. Contrary to the popular belief, orchids are adaptable and not nearly as difficult to grow as most people think and thanks to the breeders in raising new varieties, orchids are now less expensive than ever before and the great variety of colours and shapes to choose from.

I took some of the pictures below during the Sydney Easter Show. Enjoy browsing.

• The name orchid was derive from the greek word testicles = orchis.
• Theophrastus (370-285 BC) a botanist in ancient Greece used the term in his work "Investigations of Plants," to describe a group of plants with testicles-like roots which are today known as Orchidaceae. This ancient term became the source of the name of an entire family of plants.