However, they’re from Earth and they are real! They remind me how strange and beautiful our natural world truly is.
Orchids live in all parts of Ecuador, with some species are able to grow at over 14,000 feet of altitude. Most species of orchids, however, are found in the rainforest and cloud forests at altitudes between 4,900 and 9,800 feet. The cloud forests are located in tropical and subtropical mountain areas with cooler temperatures than the rainforest, and weather conditions that allow for consistent cloud cover.
Most species of orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants and trees. Unlike parasitic plants, they do not take any nutrients from the plant or tree they’re growing on. With trees, orchids attach themselves to branches and grow roots in between the cracks in the bark. This way, they can pull in water from rain or dew that accumulates along the bark. They also can use their roots to pull water and nutrients from the humid air. To gather more nutrients, many orchids create webs or baskets of roots that trap rotting leaves and other organic matter. This matter becomes compost for the plant, enriching it with minerals.
Of the many varieties of orchids in Ecuador, some are so rare they haven’t even been classified yet. Even now, botonists are discovering new species. Since they are rare and delicate plants, their preservation is a major concern. Since many of the species of orchids only grow in very specific micro-climates, deforestation from logging and oil extraction poses a threat.
