A Plant By Any Other Name

Bat Flowers

Bat flowers have large, black velvety flowers with whisker-like filaments resembling bat wings and bracts that look like bat faces. They are native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia and prefer humid, shaded environments, often found in rainforests.

Bumblebee Orchids

These orchids resemble bumble bees in their colors and patterns. The orchids have large, yellow-orange flowers with dark brown markings. The Bumblebee orchid is a species of Ophrys (bee orchid), native from the Mediterranean region from Portugal and the Canary Islands to Turkey and Lebanon. Ophrys bombyliflora or bumblebee orchid is pollinated by males of solitary bees of the genus Eucera (which are not bumblebees).

Cobra Lilies

These flowers are known tor their long, tubular leaves resembling the open mouth of a cobra, with a hood-like structure at the top and a deep cavity filled with fluid to trap insects.  The cobra plant is native to swamps in mountain areas of northern California and southern Oregon and uses its carnivorous pitfall traps to supplement its nutritional requirements in poor soil conditions. Cobra lilies thrive in redwood and red fir forests. 

Flying Duck Orchids

These orchids have long, thin spurs and distinctive coloration of brown, white, and black. Clearly the flowers resemble ducks in flight. They are native to Australia, particularly in southeastern regions. These orchids prefer grasslands and open woodlands.

Fly Orchids

The unique orchid leaves are shaped like wings, while the central part of its flower is shaped like the head and body of a fly, complete with a “head” and “legs.” Fly orchids thrive in grasslands, woodlands, and areas with rich, well-drained soil. They are commonly found in Europe, particularly in the UK and parts of the Mediterranean.

Green Squid Orchids

These orchids display green, squid-shaped flowers that are borne on a single stem, a long, thin spur, and a hood-like structure on top. They typically bloom in clusters, creating a striking visual display. These orchids are native to tropical regions, particularly found in Southeast Asia and thrive  in humid, shaded environments, often growing on trees or in mossy areas.

Monkey Orchids

The oddest thing about Monkey orchids or Dracula simia orchids is that as they grow they appear to have monkey faces. Each orchid is known for its unique, monkey-like flowers with long, curved lips; the flowers bloom in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, and green. These are rare orchids that are native to the cloud forests of southeastern Ecuador and parts of Peru at high elevations. The flower has a slight citrus scent.

Moth Orchids

These orchids have large, showy, long-lasting flowers in shades of white, pink, and yellow. The plant looks like a moth. They originate from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia.  They can bloom multiple times a year, with flowers lasting several months.

Parrot Beak Flowers

Parrot Beak plants gets their name from their large, bright red, trumpet-shaped flowers resembling a parrot’s beak. These flowers are native tot he Canary Islands and prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

Parrot Flowers

These flowers have bird-like blooms in hues of red, orange, and yellow with intricate markings resembling the plumage of a parrot. They have a distinctive shape with elongated petals that attract pollinators. The Parrot flower is native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in regions like Thailand and Myanmar.

Rabbit Succulents

These succulents resemble rabbits due to their two large, round, and fluffy areoles, giving them the appearance of rabbit ears. These succulents thrive in well-draining soil and require minimal watering and prefer, bright indirect sunlight.

String of Dolphins

String of Dolphins is a trailing succulent plant known for its small, dolphin-shaped leaves that grow on thin, elongated stems. Leaves are small, round, and resemble the shape of dolphins. This plant is native to the regions of South Africa, particularly in areas with a mild climate.

Tiger Orchids

Tiger orchids have large, glossy leaves and produce spikes of large, showy flowers that are typically yellow or orange with dark spots, giving them a tiger-like appearance. They are native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in tropical rainforests and thrive in humid environments and can often be seen growing on trees as epiphytes.

White Egret Orchids

These orchids have large, white delicate flowers resembling a white egret with long, thin petals and a central, frilly lip. They typically feature clusters of white to pale yellow blooms with a hint of purple in the center. White egret orchids are native to Australia, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales. They thrive in warm, humid environments, often found growing on trees or rocks.