Exploring Orchid Diversity and Ecology

The Amazing World of Orchids

Reading time: 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-650-ECO
Published on 03-31-2025

Illustration 1: Wasp orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera) (left). Illustration 2: Paphiopedilum concolor (right). Source: Orchi, Wikipedia .

Rebeca Michelle Burgueño Rosado. Master's Student in Applied Sciences, Polytechnic University of Sinaloa. Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Israel Benítez García. Professor of the Biotechnology Engineering academic program and the Master's Program in Applied Sciences, Polytechnic University of Sinaloa. Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Summary
The colloquial name "orchid" derives from the Greek word meaning "testicle," given the shape of the bulbs in some species and their stimulating action as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer. The orchid family (Orchidaceae) has existed for millions of years. Beyond their beauty and decorative use, they possess certain medicinal properties. However, information about their bioactive properties is limited because many of the species that make up the family are in danger of extinction. Therefore, this article will discuss some of their medicinal properties and characteristics, as well as certain compounds, called secondary metabolites, that possess biological activity.

Introduction
The orchid family (Orchidaceae) has existed for millions of years, and their use is ornamental, that is, as decoration. This is due to the fact that knowledge about their pharmacological or cosmetic properties is poorly documented. However, the species belonging to this family possess certain characteristics that make them attractive to the eye and interesting to botanical enthusiasts, as well as to the innovation market.

Even so, research on them is limited because various species within the family are under protection, classified as endangered, for example; in the state of Florida, there is a federal CITES protection law for the ghost orchid. However, this has not stopped the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries from taking advantage of their greenhouse production to exploit the properties of the compounds present in these plants and adding them to their products. Sliwinski Tomasz, in his article "Orchidaceae-Derived Anticancer Agents: A Review," mentions that various studies have indicated some secondary metabolites that exhibit anticancer activity. Ashok Kumar and Debasis Mandal, in their article "The Folklore Medicinal Orchids of Sikkim," also report other studies demonstrating that this family of plants exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activity.

The Importance of Orchid Conservation

Illustration 3: Blue orchid (Vanda coerulea). Source: Timhfs, Wikipedia. Browsing around Being one of the most abundant orchid families on the planet, orchids grow in a large number of countries across the continents, especially those with a predominantly tropical and humid climate, with the exception of those with extremely cold temperatures (Antarctica). Ecuador is the country with the highest orchid population, boasting more than 3,549 specimens. It's worth noting that orchids are one of the plants that exhibit bilateral symmetry (like our faces), meaning that if we cut them in half, we'll see exactly the same shape on both sides. One of their interesting characteristics is their slow growth and low photosynthetic capacity, which has led them to carry out their photosynthetic process through their roots in order to feed themselves. Due to their great diversity, orchids possess very unique physical characteristics that make them an exotic paradigm. For example, the Brazilian orchid can grow up to 6 meters tall (the giant of orchids), while the blue-violet orchid displays this rare color, as only 10% of plants can express this color. Another truly interesting plant is the American ghost orchid, one of the most enigmatic and exotic specimens within the family. This orchid grows on another plant or object, using them as a support. Unlike the blue orchid, the ghost plant does not boast a noticeable stem, leaves, or striking pigmentation, as it is an albino due to a genetic disorder, meaning it has a white color. Because it has a very thin stem and grows on a tree, when it rises, it gives the optical illusion of floating above the tree's branches, which is why it is known as the ghost orchid. Don't be alarmed, you won't find it in Mexico, as it's only found in Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas, and it blooms only once a year.

Undiscovered Orchids
We live on a planet so geographically and ecologically vast that new species continue to be revealed today. In 2022, a new orchid species was discovered in Mexico near La Petaca, Concordia, Sinaloa; scientifically named Epidendrum petacaense. Its flowers are bright lilac-magenta, calli-white, and occasionally green. Also, in the same year, the Spiranthes hachijoensis species was discovered in Japan, which differs from other species in this genus by the shape of its ovaries. Unfortunately, as these are new species, their knowledge about them is limited, so there is no doubt that there are still species waiting to be discovered.

References
Castañeda, N., Barrera, C., & Perez, M. (2022). Systematic review of substrate types used in greenhouse orchid propagation. Mutis Journal, 13(1), 1-18. doi:10.21789/22561498.1887

Menchaca-García, R. A., & Moreno-Martínez, D. (2003). Manual for the propagation of orchids. Retrieved from the National Forestry Commission: Manual for the propagation of orchids

Zhang, S., Yang, Y., Li, J., Qin, J., Zhang, W., Huang, W., & Hu, H. (2018). Physiological diversity of orchids. Plant diversity, 40(4), 196-208. doi:10.1016/j.pld.2018.06.003