These Rare Orchids Look Just Like Monkeys

These Rare Orchids Look Just Like Monkeys

When you take a look at the world around you, you will see that there are many amazing things to ponder over and enjoy. Many of us tend to focus our attention on animals or landscapes, but don’t overlook the plants that are right under your nose. This includes orchids.


Did you realize there are more than 30,000 different species of orchids on the planet? Some of them may be relatively plain to see but there are a few varieties that are absolutely amazing. This includes the Monkey Orchid, which is perhaps one of the most unique flowers we have ever seen. Not only does it have a unique name, but it also lives up to it.

The Monkey Orchid (Dracula Simia) is found in the forests of Peru and southeastern Ecuador. You might have to hike your way back in because they are found deep in the forest in the clouds at approximately 2000 feet above sea level. The faces of the blooms are the combination of low petals in the stems.


The flower species was christened by Carlyle A. Lueren, a botanist, in 1978. He referred to their petals that look like simians and have a surprising, citrusy scent that will put you in mind of fresh oranges.

This orchid can flower at any time of the year and sometimes they bloom one after the other. There are 118 different species of the flower, all of which are found in Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru with about half of them found in Ecuador.


You might want to try growing the flower at home but it isn’t all that easy to do so. You have to be very specific in the environmental condition. They like high humidity of up to 100%, a colder temperature, and low light.

The plants grow about 2 feet tall and you will want to plant them in sphagnum moss if you’re trying to plant them at home. Since they are difficult for a novice to grow, you might want to get your feet wet with other types of orchids before giving these a try.

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