Orchidaceae or the orchid family is a worldwide family of about 880 genera and more than 20,000 perennial epiphytic or terrestrial species in order Asparagales. Each flower has 3 sepals and 3 petals borne above a 3-chambered ovary. Many grow from a tuber or a rhizome and have an intricate structure that has evolved from their pollination strategy. Seeds are short-lived, often tiny and fine and may need to form an internal root association with a soil fungus in order to give rise to new plants.
Cameron McMaster wrote three articles about South African orchids for Farmer's Weekly in 2008. The first was an overview, the second featured information aboutwinter rainfall species and the third featured information aboutsummer rainfall species. The South African orchids pictured on the wiki are listed on the South African Orchids page.
All trade with orchidaceae is subject to CITES regulations.