In general, inflorescence of orchid plants bear multiple flowers. Many species produce multiple inflorescences, thus with a large number of flowers. More the flowers, more the chances of getting pollinated and seed production.
However, there are many species that produce a solitary flower. In these cases, the plants have evolved to produce large and showy flowers or flowers with odour to attract pollinators.
Post 48 – 11/January/2021.
Flower characteristics are mainly to attract pollinators. Important and noticeable features include colouration of sepals and petals, position of the lip and odour (only in a few species).
However, many orchid species have evolved to great extent in having hidden or unnoticeable features (to human eyes) like colour patterns/spots on its anther cap and base of the lip to allure the pollinators deep inside the flowers to make effective pollination.
Post 46 – 05/January/2021.
In resupinate orchid flowers, when buds are formed they are upside down – meaning the lip and spur (if present) are on top side of the bud. As the buds develop, the pedicel twists either clockwise or anti-clockwise to invert the bud, thus arranging the lip and spur to the bottom side of the flower. This arrangement helps visiting pollinators.
(Note: Pics of spurred buds are used to make the lesson more easier).
Post 16 – 01/October/2020