| MadSci Network: Botany |
Estimates vary on the number of orchid species. The first website says 1,000 genera and 10,000 to 15,000 species of orchids. The second site says 850 species and 17,000 species. The third site says 835 genera and more than 20,000 species. The fourth site says 30,000 species. Whichever estimate you use, the orchid family is the largest or one of the largest plant families. Plant taxonomists vary in their estimates because what constitutes a species and genus is a matter of opinion. Some taxonomists are called "lumpers" because they tend to see fewer species and genera when viewing the same group of specimens. Other taxonomists are called "splitters" because they tend to see more species and genera when viewing the same group of specimens. In addition to orchid species, there are 110,000 cultivars (cultivated varieties) of orchids on the International Register of Orchids. Most of those are interspecific hybrids or intergeneric hybrids created by people via hand pollinations. About 3,000 cultivars are added annually. References Orchidaceae Orchidaceae Orchidaceae: The largest family of flowering plants What is an Orchid? The International Orchid Register All About Orchids
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