Orchid Plant Structure

Roots

• Like the majority of plant species, orchids have a root system. The root system often contains a primary root, flanked by several lateral roots. These roots all have root hairs. At the very bottom of the plant is a root tip and a root cap. The main purposes of the root system are to anchor the plant to the ground and to absorb water and nutrients.

Shoot

• The entire portion of the plant that is located above ground is known as the shoot. The shoot contains the stem, the leaves, flowers and seeds. The shoot portion of the plant is important, as this is where photosynthesis occurs, as well as the reproduction and dispersal of seeds.

Ground Tissue and Leaves

• The main portion of the plant is known as ground tissue, but may also be referred to as a stem. It makes up a large portion of the plant and is necessary for transporting water and nutrients throughout the rest of the plant. The ground tissue is attached to the leaves of the plant, which absorb light energy, convert it into chemical energy and then transport it through the leaves, into the stem where it gets further processed or dispersed throughout the plant.

Orchid Blossom

• The blossom, or flower, of an orchid is complex. It contains many different parts: petals, sepals, stigmas, anthers and so forth. The petals and sepals grow in groups of three and are necessary for attracting birds and insects to the plant for pollination, which is necessary for reproduction. The lip, or labellum, is somewhat of a landing strip for insects, directing it to the location of the pollen.

Reproductive Structures

• Depending on the species, an orchid can contain one or more of the following reproductive structures: anthers, anther caps, stigmas and ovaries. On the anther, there is pollen that sticks to the body of insects and is carried from one plant to another. When an insect carrying pollen from another plant arrives, the pollen sticks to the stigma. Once pollinated, the ovaries begin to develop into a seed capsule that may contain multiple microscopic seeds. When the ovary is ripened, the seeds are dispersed via the wind or some other form of transportation.