Interest in orchids goes way back to very ancient times.  Teofrasto, a Greek philosopher gave the name orchis (testicle) to this species, in reference to the basal part of the plant ( tuberoid), that has the form of a pair of testicles. Furthermore for that reason, afrodiasic properties and the capacity to determine the sex of the offspring were attributed (when men and women consumed certain parts). Likewise, in Pre Columbine America, orchids were also appreciated by some Pre Inca cultures, and, by the Inca civilization, as seen in ancient records.

It is evident that the fascinating part of orchids are their flowers, characterized by the most astonishing forms, sizes and colors.  In appearance and size, it is possible to find flowers that measure from two milimeters up to 70 centimeters.

Usually, pollination is carried out by insects, such as bees, flies, butterflies, and, certain birds as a particular colibri.  Some look for nectar, others go for solid food, and, others look for oils and perfumes.

The seed formation process can last from four to eight months.  Seeds are very small, even four millions seeds have been counted in a single mature capsule. Usually it is long and has a protuberance in the middle, and, has a whitish creamy aspect.

Aromas produced by Orchids are very diverse.  One of the best known is Vanilla gender, from where vainilla is extracted, an essence widely used in pastries. Other aromas are very exquisite and exotic, as the Gongora and Cycnoches genders. Likewise, there are disagreeable aromas, similar to urine or fish in putrefaction as in Pleurothallis aphthosa.  These disagreeable odors attract carrion flies.
Furthermore, colors are impressing. They almost display all the spectrum of colors and shades: some are purely white, some have shades of deep purple, but not pure black.  There is no evidence of a black orchid.