Garden Tulips

Garden tulips of the genus Tulipa are members of the lily family. Thousands of varieties have been developed and cultivated for their popular flowers.

Dorling Kindersley

Dwarf Epiphytes 

About half of all orchids are epiphytes, growing on other plants for support only. This dwarf epiphyte, Promenaea xantina, is a characteristic ornamental species found in the Augusto Ruschi biological reserve, an area of poor scrubland in Brazil. It has small pseudo-bulbs, one or two leaves, and stems of hanging flowers. The lemon-yellow flowers measure 5 cm (2 in) in length. The upper, larger, and differently coloured petal is speckled.

Kevin Schafer Photography

Tropical Orchid

Orchids are perennial flowering plants found around the world, but mostly in tropical areas. They have diverse flower forms that are used to attract specific insects.

James H. Carmichael, Jr./The Image Bank

Bee Orchid

Bee orchids (Orphrys apifera) are found throughout Europe. They mimic the shape and structure of female bees to ensure that they are visited by male bees, who stay long enough to collect pollen on their legs and bodies.

H. D. Brandl/Okapia/Photo Researchers, Inc.

Common African Violet

The common African violet, a native of eastern Africa and not a violet at all, has been extensively cultivated for use as a house plant. Numerous cultivars are available in a variety of colours, including red, pink, white, purple, and blue.

Deni Bown/Oxford Scientific Films

Edelweiss

Clusters of star-shaped edelweiss, Leontopodium alpinum, bloom in spring or early summer. The herb is native to the mountains of Asia and Europe, although it can be cultivated in cool climates elsewhere.

Dorling Kindersley

Chrysanthemum

The Brietner cultivar is one of a number of chrysanthemum varieties cultivated for its colourful flowers. Chrysanthemums are popular in horticulture, and are sold as both potted and cut flowers.

Dorling Kindersley