Orchids

John, Indra, and I went to see the magnificent display of orchids in the Courtyard between the National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of American Art. It was a joint display sponsored by the Smithsonian and the U.S. Botanical Gardens. What a fantastic array of orchids of all colors, sizes, styles, and texture!

INTERESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THE ORCHIDS

DECEPTION

WHAT MAKES AN ORCHID AN ORCHID?

We were initially amazed at how much variety there was in this display of orchids but we learned that each orchid has exactly the same structure: the same number of petals, the same distinctive middle petal, the same column, and the same lip (a very pronounced 'cup' in some and hardly visible in others).

THE BEAUTIFUL ORCHIDS

This one was particularly impressive. It was very very small and we may not have seen it if the Smithsonian representative had not pointed it our to us.

Look at the very pronounced lip on the orchid above.

These orchids were perhaps the most interesting. Can you see the tiny orchids in the photo above? You can't? Let me help you. See those very tiny brown dots on the leaves? Those are orchids in full bloom!

 

 

Don't laugh but I am convinced that these little orchids had a distinct chocolate fragrance!

After looking carefully at all of the orchids in this spectacular display, we had lunch in the Courtyard Cafe. I had the herb toast with ricotta, orange sections, pistachio nuts, and argula. A very delicious combination. 

         

All of the photos above were taken by Christine. John, however, is the professional photographer.