... characteristic but from a whole range that integrates into the plants form and function. Orchids, as stated before, are found all over the world in many different habitats. The temperate zone orchids, like the ones found in the UK are all terrestrial, but the Tropical and Sub-tropical species are nearly all epiphytic. The term epiphytic means that the plant isn't bound to the substrate, it actually lives on another plant. It is not to be confused with parasitism though as the host plant does not come to harm through this relationship. Orchids living on plants, mainly trees, obtain all their nutrients from rainwater or the detritus washed down with it. There are however many advantages to being an epiphyte that the orchids have exploited. Firstly it gets you off the ground, thus avoiding herbaceous predators such as slugs and snails. Also in tropical habitats the canopy shades the ground and ...

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