Flowers 21

The International Orchid Exhibition in the town of Thun is among the three largest orchid exhibitions in Switzerland It was held for the 4th time from 18 – 21 March 2010 and attracted over 85,000 visitors. Following the three excellent orchid exhibitions organized by the Bern Regional Group of the Swiss Orchid Society and increasing public interest, the series of exhibition will now be organized by thun-expo, one of Switzerland’s major exhibition centres and the second largest trade-fair organizer in Canton Bern. A team of experienced exhibition planners, who were involved in the latest exhibition, will guarantee further fairytale orchid lands. Orchid dealers from South-East Asia, New Zealand, South America and all areas of Europe presented their rarities at the 2010 exhibition. Municipal nurseries and amateur breeders exhibited their rare and precious flowers. The exhibitions also provide a wealth of information on the culture and care of orchids.
Orchids are a herbaceous, perennial plant with around 20,000 species, found throughout the world and favouring damp, tropical regions. Orchid flowers vary considerably in shape, colour and size and usually form a cluster. Most orchid plants in temperate climates grow in the ground, while those in tropical climates grow mainly on trees. Each flower consists of three petal-like sepals (an outer floral envelope that protects the flower bud) and three petals, the lowest being the most distinctive. In order to restrict natural hybridization, the flowers on many species are adapted to receive just one specific type of insect, such as the spider, fly or bee orchid. The fruit of the orchid is a capsule containing huge numbers of minute seeds that are dispersed by wind. Orchids are a source of pleasure for many flower fans and huge numbers are commercially cultivated for the florist trade. The flat-leaved vanilla orchid from which vanilla flavouring is derived is also commercially grown.