Orchids of North Cyprus

The Orchidaceae family, originating from the Liliaceae family, is one of the largest and most evolved plant families.  Orchids (Orchidaceae) comprise the most diverse family of plants, with more than 25,000  species in 400 to 800 genera worldwide.  One of the richest sources of native orchids is Amazon.  In Amazon thousands of species are described and many more  remain to be discovered. Orchids have a large habitat diversity and can be found almost anywhere in the world.  Most of them live on other plants (epiphytic), on decayed material (saphrophytic) or independent as usual plants (auto trophic).  Almost all orchids are pollinated by insects (bees and wasps, but also butterflies, ants, flies and others).  Nearly every orchid species is pollinated by just one or two kinds of insects. Even though there are plenty, most of them may go extinct if its pollinator insect dies out. Since they are rare and beautiful, orchids are a unique  fascination for all naturalists. The orchid flora of North Cyprus has 32 confirmed species, subspecies and varieties.  There are three or five species  that need verifying. Botanists from north-western Europe may be familiar to some of them , such as pyramidal orchid and autumn lady’s tresses.  There are also more exotic species including violet limodore, tongue-flowered serapias, naked man orchid and more in North Cyprus.Of course it is a bliss to come accross one surprisingly while holidaying in North Cyprus.