We all know what a Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid looks like. Phals are the most common orchids on sale in stores. There are a few other varieties of orchid that are generally available, but in addition there are a huge range of species that you never see. At the extreme end there are a number that are critically endangered and so are extremely rare. This list of the ten rarest orchids comes from the Top Inspired website.
Orchids are one of the most popular and most fascinating flowers in the world. They are always present on the most expensive and rarest flowers list. This is because of their unique beauty but also because there species that are so rare that can only be seen once in hundreds of years.
The orchid family (Latin name Orchidaceae) ?is one of the two largest families of flowering plants, along with the?Asteraceae. There are between 21,950 and 26,049 currently accepted species. They are perennial herbs with no woody structure. Orchids are mostly known because of their mesmerizing flowers which come in many structural variations, colors and fragrances.
Although?part of?a huge family, there are many orchids that are critically endangered and can be rarely seen in nature. This 10 species we are sharing today are one of the rarest flowers in the whole world so take a look at them and enjoy their unique beauty.The Ghost Orchid
This orchid was discovered in Britain in 1954.?They were only seen 11 times in the next 100 years which makes them one of the rarest flowers in the world. As for their name, they got it because of?their creamy-white to pinkish-brown color and their fleeting occurrences in dark, shaded woods. They are quite small, usually under 15 cm.??Their?Latin name is Epipogium aphyllum.Yellow and Purple Lady Slippers
photo via imgkid.com
Yellow and Purple Lady Slippers are another very rare member of the orchid family that are mostly found in London and some other areas in Europe. The combination of yellow and purple on one flower is extremely rare to be found in nature which makes these orchids not only one of rarest but also one of the most expensive flowers in the world. They are protected by the law in London.
See more at Top Inspired
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