Each known orchid holds its own story.  The names of these exciting flowers  are often based upon the names of those that discovered or introduced them.  The mystery and romance of orchid collecting have long contributed to their  mystique.

     Though orchids as cultivated plants have commonly been recognized for only  a few hundred years, they have been known for thousands. Their name is derived  from the Greek "orchis", meaning "testis". The nomenclature was established  based on the observance of an orchid that grew in that Mediterranean region,  which possessed paired, testiculate tubers.

     At that time there was little interest in the flowers, other than to mark  the location of the roots. In the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth  centuries herbalists prized orchid roots for their supposed curative powers.

     The earliest drawings and descriptions of orchids come from the extensive  herbal books of the times. As far back as the first century AD the Greek  botanist Dioscorides wrote a treatise which described two species of orchids  and used the term orchis even before it was used nearly 200 years later by  Theophrastus, who became known as the "father of Botany". They each apparently  observed that same Mediterranean orchid.

     It helps to understand that for over a thousand years, Western physicians  and herbalists believed that the curative powers of plants were revealed  through their resemblance to human body parts in shape or color.  For example  the walnut was good for the brain and bloodroot helped anemia. Thus orchids  became prized for their supposed powers to aid virility and fertility and  for their aphrodisiac properties.

     The writings of Englishman John Parkinson in 1640 showed that orchids were  among the drugs dispensed in London to cure many things including fever,  swellings and sores as well as the aforementioned uses in reproduction.  Interestingly, he mentions and illustrates a variety brought from North  America probably brought back by an English Navigator.

     It was around this time that interest switched to the flowers rather than  their medicinal uses. As trade increased many tropical varieties were  brought back for European gardens and began to be described and catalogued.

     The vanilla bean was brought into Europe shortly before that via Spanish  explorers. Mentioned in a 1552 Aztec manuscript, vanilla, used in cocoa  and as a perfume was credited with bestowing incredible strength, energy  and courage. The early Mayans of Mexico were also familiar with vanilla  and its uses.   Early manuscripts indicate that long before Europeans became interested, the  study and cultivation of orchids took place in the Orient.  Prized for their  fragrance and beauty orchids were mentioned in the Chinese culture nearly 5,000  years ago. There were also numerous mentions of the orchid by the noted philosopher Confucius 25 centuries ago.

     The symbolic significance of the orchid in China is that of refinement,  friendship, perfection, numerous progeny, all things feminine, noble and  elegant. By the end of the Yuan dynasty , over 600 years ago, orchids had  become a favorite subject of Chinese paintings.

     The growing of orchids is also known as an ancient practice in Japan,  although there are not the records available as in China. Growing orchids  was a favorite pastime of the samurais as well as the imperial aristocracy.

     In 1818 the cultivation of orchids started in earnest due to a happy accident.  In a shipment from Brazil to the eminent horticulturist William Cattley in  England, some strange plants with unfamiliar bulbous stems were used as "packing material". Intrigued, Cattley planted them in his hothouse and later that  year they bloomed into the most beautiful orchids yet! Named the Cattleya  Labiata, this was none other than the corsage orchid!

     This significant event was a catalyst. Unfortunately there started a mad  rush to procure orchid specimens from around the world. Professional orchid  hunters in search of tremendous profits would clear entire forests of their  native vegetation, including millions of orchids. Sadly many specimens did  not survive the journey home, and a number became extinct. Often the hunters,  novice and seasoned alike perished in the attempt to secure the rare prize.

     At that time, if it could be obtained at all the cost for the corsage orchid  would have been exorbitant.  Today anyone can buy a hybrid more beautiful than  the original for under $10.  Orchid fever rages hotter than ever throughout the  world. Orchid publications and organizations have helped educate millions to  this fascinating field. Now Web sites such as this one will help educate and  inspire many more to learn more about the marvelous orchid.