Economic importance of orchids

The orchid family is probably one of the most significant of plant families from a gardening point of view. Except the horticultural uses which orchids are put to , the family is significantly lacking in species which products are derived from. The only commercially important product gotten from orchids is vanilla. Most vanilla is produced from one species, Vanilla planifolia, although two extra species are grown commercially too (V. pompona and V. tahitensis). The main vanilla-growing areas are Madagascar, Mexico, French Polynesia, Réunion, Dominica, Indonesia, the West Indies, Seychelles, and Puerto Rico. Vanilla is cultivated from sea level to around 600 metres in height. The plant is a climbing vine that is native to the tropical areas of the Western Hemisphere.

Various other orchids are used for a variety of traditional medicines and cures. In the West Indies, the bulbs of Bletia purpurea are boiled, and the liquid is belived to cure poisoning from fish. In Malaysia, women take a drink made from the boiled leaves of Nervilia aragoana to prevent sickness after childbirth. In Melaka (previously Malacca), a state in western Malaysia, boils are treated with a poultice made from the whole plant of Oberonia anceps. In Chile, Spiranthes diuretica is known as a strong diuretic. In certain parts of Ecuador, the mucilage from Catasetum is believed to be good for broken bones. In several parts of the world, certain orchids are used for food or food supplements. In Malaysia, the leaves of one species of Anoectochilus are sold as a vegetable, and the leaves of Dendrobium salaccense are cooked as a seasoning with rice. In certain parts of the Asian tropics, the tubers of a number of species of Gastrodia are eaten like potatoes. Throughout the world several species of orchids are used as a glue substitute. In most cases, the glue is got from the pseudobulbs. Salep is got from the tubers of many species of Orchids. The tubers are boiled, then dried and powdered. The end result is frequently used as a flour substitute.