How Did the Orchid Get Its Name and What Does the Word Orchid Mean In Greek?

Photo of author

Karen Hill

Despite its perceived resemblance to the outer female reproductive organs, apparently noticed by very lonely gardeners, the orchid was actually named after male genitalia.

orchid

The name orchid comes from the Greek orkhis, meaning “testicle.”

It was adopted because of the orchid’s testicle shaped root.

This resemblance may have led to the belief that orchids were aphrodisiacs.

The orchid is believed to be the second largest family of flowering plants, with more than 25,000 species in existence.

The number of orchid species equals more than twice the number of bird species, and about four times the number of mammal species.

Related Posts

  1. What Was the Riddle of the Sphinx In Greek Mythology and What Does the Word Sphinx Mean In Greek?
  2. Who Were Orpheus and Eurydice In Greek Mythology and What Does Orpheus Mean In Greek?
  3. Who Was Oedipus In Greek Mythology and What Does Oedipus Mean In Greek?
  4. What Were the Adventures of Aeneas In Greek Mythology and What Does Aeneas Mean In Greek?
  5. Who Were the Olympians In Ancient Greek Mythology and Where Did the Twelve Greek Gods Live?
  6. Where Did the Greek Language Come From and Is Greek a Romance Language?