The world we grew up in is truly amazing. All kinds of life forms exist in this world in their unique forms, inadvertently interpreting the cycle of life and death that belongs to them. Busy and busy, if we can get close to the surrounding flowers and plants in our spare time, I believe everyone will have different experiences.
There are many beautiful flowers in the world, but some stand out for their unique appearance. These 22 kinds of strange-looking and particularly beautiful flowers seem to come from a mythical fairy tale world, which makes people fall for it.
As a person who has always been fascinated by the beauty of nature, I would like to take stock of them for you: how many of the 22 kinds of flowers that look strange and beautiful in the world have you seen? The whimsy of nature has to be amazed!
Monkey Orchid
Monkey orchid, an orchid native to the cloud forests of Ecuador and southeastern Peru. The name "monkey orchid" comes from the fact that the flower resembles a monkey's face, with furry lips and long claw-like petals.
The monkey orchid is a small orchid that grows to about 5 cm, and its flowers are usually greenish-brown. Monkey orchid is known for its unusual scent, which is said to resemble a ripe orange. (Dear friends, you can close your eyes and think about what this ripe orange tastes like!) ）
Despite its unusual appearance, monkey orchids are not common in cultivation and are mainly favored by orchid lovers and collectors.
Monkey Orchid
Naked Man Orchid
The naked male orchid is also a type of orchid native to the Mediterranean region, including Italy, Greece, and Turkey. The name "naked man" comes from the appearance of the flower spike, like a little naked man standing. (It does look like a naked man!) ）
Naked male orchids can grow to about 15-30 cm with distinctive spear-shaped leaves. The flowers are small, greenish-brown in color, and the lips are shaped like a small helmet.
Like many other orchids, naked orchids are pollinated by insects, especially bees. Orchids produce a sweet smell to attract pollinators.
Naked male orchids are sometimes cultivated as ornamental plants, but are not as commonly cultivated as some other orchid varieties.
Naked Man Orchid
Swaddled Babies Orchid
The infant infant orchid, also a type of orchid, is native to the Andes Mountains of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
This orchid gets its name from the unique shape of its flowers, like an infant in an swaddling. (When I first saw this flower, I was stunned, it really looked like a baby sleeping in a warm swaddling!) It's amazing! The flowers are large and waxy, ranging in color from white to yellow, with red or purple markings on the petals and sepals.
The swaddling baby orchid is a terrestrial orchid, which means it grows on the ground rather than in trees like many other orchid species. It prefers cool, humid environments and grows in mountainous areas at altitudes of 1500 to 3000 meters.
Swaddled Babies Orchid
(iv) Hooker's Lips
The lip flower, also known as the lips of a prostitute, is a plant found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, including Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.
The most distinctive feature of the lip flower is its bright red bracts, which resemble a pair of lips. These bracts surround the plant's small white flowers and are used to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. The bracts are actually modified leaves, not flowers.
The lip flower is a small evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 1.5 meters. It prefers warm, moist environments and usually grows under the understory of tropical rainforests.
The plant is not widely cultivated, although it is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant in botanical gardens and private collections.
Hooker's Lips
Snapdragon and its Skull
Snapdragon is the generic name for plants in the genus Snapdragon, which is characterized by the blooming of colorful, unique flowers that resemble the mouth of a dragon. When they are alive, snapdragons bloom beautifully. But when the seed pod dies, something strange happens: the dead flower head resembles a miniature human skull. If squeezed between the fingertips, the skull will open and close the mouth.
There is no direct link between snapdragon and the skull. However, in some cultures, snapdragon flowers are associated with death and the afterlife. The plant is shaped to resemble a dragon's mouth with teeth and is believed to represent the gateway to the underworld.
According to legend, when the flower blooms, it awakens the soul of the deceased. In ancient times, it was believed that holding a snapdragon flower could communicate with the dead and receive messages from the afterlife. In some cultures, snapdragon is also believed to have protective properties against evil spirits.
Overall, while snapdragons and their flowers are not directly related to the skull, they do have a long and fascinating history associated with death and the afterlife in various cultures.
Snapdragon and its Skull
Bleeding Heart Flower
Purse peony is a beautiful and unique plant native to Japan, China, and Korea. It is a perennial plant with heart-shaped flowers and a distinctive drooping appearance, hence the name. The flowers are usually pink or white with red or yellow accents on the tip. (It's really beautiful!) The beauty is stunning! ）
Purse peonies usually bloom in spring and early summer, and they prefer shady or partially shady places and well-drained soil. They are often used as ornamental plants in gardens or cut flowers in flower arrangements.
Despite their delicate appearance, bleeding heartflowers are very hardy and can survive in a variety of conditions. However, if ingested they can be poisonous, so more attention should be paid to children and pets. In addition, the sap of plants can cause skin irritation in some people, so gloves should be worn when handling plants.
Bleeding Heart
Ballerina Orchid
Ballet orchid, is an orchid native to the southern region of Western Australia. The name "ballerina" comes from the unique shape of the flowerina that resembles the ballerina in a tutu.
Ballet orchids usually grow up to 10-30 cm tall and produce a delicate flower on an elongated stem. The flowers are usually pink or white, with slender petals that curve upwards, resembling the skirts of a ballerina. In the center of the flower is a protruding column that contains the reproductive organs of the orchid.
Ballet orchids are pollinated by small insects such as bees and flies, which are attracted to the sweet nectar of the flowers. After pollination, the orchid produces a small capsule filled with tiny seeds that are scattered by the wind.
Ballerina Orchid
Dove Orchid
Pigeon orchid is an orchid native to Central and South America, and it is also known by other common names such as Holy Spirit Orchid or Flower of the Holy Spirit.
Pigeon orchid got its name because its flowers resemble a pigeon in flight. The white flowers have a central lip that looks like a head and two petals that look like wings. Its flower spikes can reach up to 90 cm in height, and each spike can produce up to 15 flowers.
Pigeon orchid is an epiphytic orchid, which means it grows on trees and other plants. It prefers a cool, humid environment and is often found understory in tropical rainforests.
Pigeon orchids are culturally significant in many countries in Central and South America. In Panama, it is the national flower and is protected by law. In some Christian traditions, the orchid is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit, hence the colloquial name of the Flower of the Holy Spirit.
Dove Orchid
Parrot Flower
The parrot flower is a flowering plant in the genus Nymphae in the family Phoenixidae. It is native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand and Myanmar.
The parrot flower gets its name from its unique flower structure, which resembles a parrot's head with a curved beak. The flower has a vibrant color combination with green, purple and red hues. The plant itself can grow up to 60 cm tall and bloom all year round.
Parrot Flower
Flying Duck Orchid
Flying duck orchid is a unique and fascinating orchid native to Australia. Because of its unique flower shape, it resembles a flying duckling, also known as duck orchid or flying duck.
The flowers of flying duck orchids are usually about 2–3 cm long and have a distinctive beak-like structure that resembles a duck's bill. The wings of the "duck" consist of two petals with a reddish-brown color and a soft texture. The center of the flower consists of a small yellow lip that acts as the duck's "head".
Duck orchid is a terrestrial orchid that grows in sandy soils and heathlands in southern and eastern Australia, from Western Australia to Tasmania. It blooms from August to October and is pollinated by male leaf bees, who are attracted to the unique shape and color of the flowers.
Like many other orchid species, flying duck orchids are threatened by habitat destruction and loss.
Flying Duck Orchid
(xi) Eagle Orchid
Eagle orchid is an orchid native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is known for its unique and striking appearance, resembling the face of an eagle with its wings spread.
Eagle orchids usually bloom in late spring and early summer and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and woodland clearings. It is a popular variety among orchid lovers and is often sought after for its unusual appearance.
Although eagle orchid is not as famous as some other orchids, it is still a fascinating and beautiful plant.
Eagle Orchid
(xii) Darwin (Calceolaria Uniflora)
Darwin bulbous flower is a small herbaceous plant belonging to the family Poulpodaceae. Because its flowers resemble small pockets or purses, it is also often referred to as "Darwin slippers" or "pocket plants".
The plant is native to the southern regions of Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands. It grows in rocky mountainous areas at altitudes of up to 2500 meters.
Darwin bushbow flowers usually grow up to 15-20 cm tall, with one to two flowers per stem. The flowers are bright yellow, orange or red and have a distinctive shape, with a broad and inflated lower lip and a narrow upper lip. This plant blooms in late spring and summer.
In cultivation, the monoflora is usually grown as a greenhouse or houseplant. It requires well-drained soil, regular watering and partial shade, and the plant is sometimes propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Calceolaria Uniflora
Aristolochia Salvadorensis
Aristolochia salvasa is a flowering plant in the genus Aristolochia in the family Aristolochiaceae, commonly known as El Salvador's Aristolochia, which is native to Central America, particularly El Salvador and Guatemala. Because it looks very much like the villain Darth Vader in "Star Wars", it is also known as the Darth Vader Flower.
This plant usually grows in the form of a woody vine that can reach a height of 5 meters. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, green. The flowers are unique in appearance, with a long, curved tube and a bulbous pouch at the end. The tubes usually have purple or maroon spots or stripes, and the pouches are yellowish or green in color. The flowers emit a strong smell that is said to resemble rotting flesh and attracts its pollinators - flies and beetles.
It contains a toxic compound called aristolochic acid, which, if ingested, can cause kidney damage and other health problems. Therefore, modern medicine does not recommend its use.
Aristolochia Salvadorensis
(xiv) Angel Orchid
Angel orchid, is an orchid native to Central and South America. It is an aromatic orchid with white star-shaped flowers with yellow or green colors in the middle. It is cloaked in white, the petals are arranged like angel wings, and when viewed as a whole, it is a holy angel, hence the name angel orchid.
Angel orchids are epiphytes, which means they grow on trees rather than in soil. They usually live in tropical and subtropical regions and prefer bright but indirect sunlight and high humidity.
Angel Orchid
Egret Orchid
Heron, is an orchid native to Asia, including China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It is a terrestrial orchid that grows in meadows, meadows, and hillsides.
Heron is named for its resemblance to a flying egret, with flowers resembling the white feathers of an egret and yellow lips resembling a bird's beak. The flowers are arranged in long spikes and bloom in summer. They are white, and the petals are long, thin, twisted, like the wings of a bird.
Heron orchids are popular plants in horticulture because of their unique and striking appearance. It is usually grown in gardens or as an indoor plant, but is considered difficult to grow and requires special care and conditions. In the wild, herons are threatened by habitat loss and over-harvesting for ornamentation.
Egret orchid
(xvi) Tiger Orchid
Tiger orchid is an orchid native to Southeast Asia and the Philippines, and it is one of the largest orchid species in the world.
Tiger orchids get their name from the unique pattern on their flowers, similar to the stripes of a tiger. The flowers are usually yellow or orange and up to 20 cm in diameter. The plant itself can grow very large, with false bulbs up to 91 cm long.
Tiger orchids are epiphytes, which means they grow on trees in their natural habitat. They prefer warm, humid environments and need plenty of light to thrive. In cultivation, they are usually planted in large containers or mounted on planks or cork.
Tiger orchids are a popular variety among orchid lovers due to their impressive size and eye-catching appearance. However, growth can be challenging and requires a lot of care and attention to reach its full potential.
Tiger Orchid
(xvii) Bee Orchid
Bee orchid is an orchid native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is named because its flowers resemble female bees, which attract male bees to pollinate them.
The flowers of the bee orchid are very special, and the lips look like the body of a female bee, with hairs and stripes on them. Male bees are attracted to flowers, think they are females, and try to mate with them. When they do, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, achieving cross-pollination.
Bee orchids grow in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soil and needs plenty of sunlight to flower. In cultivation, it is usually planted in rock gardens or as a container plant. At the same time, it is also a popular subject for artists and photographers.
Bee Orchid
(xviii) Lithops
Stoneflowers are a genus of succulents native to southern Africa, and they are also known as "living stones" or "flowering stones" because their appearance often resembles small stones or pebbles. Rawstone flowers adapted to survive in arid environments and have a unique way of storing water in thick, fleshy leaves. (In my opinion, this flower is really amazing, like a flower growing in a stone!) ）
Stoneflower is a low plant with only a small part of its body exposed to the ground, and the rest of the plant is buried under the soil, which helps protect it from the heat and sun of its natural habitat. Raw stone flowers typically produce one or two leaves per year, and their size and color can vary from species to species.
Raw stone flowers are popular among succulent collectors and are often grown as houseplants. They likewise need well-drained soil and prefer bright but indirect sunlight. Like most succulents, they do not require frequent watering and adapt to dry periods.
There are many different species of raw stone flowers, each with its own unique appearance and characteristics. Some species produce small daisy-like flowers in the fall, while others may grow colorful or patterned leaves. Overall, the Rawstone Flower is a fascinating plant that has evolved to survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
Lithops
(xix) Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)
Phalaenopsis orchids, native to the tropics of Southeast Asia, are known for their beautiful, large, long-lasting flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and purple. It is named Phalaenopsis because of its flower posture resembling butterflies.
Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants, such as trees, but do not rely on them for nutrients. Instead, they use their roots to absorb water and nutrients from air and rainwater. In cultivation, Phalaenopsis orchids are usually planted in potted plants, which employ a well-drained mixture of potted plants that allow good air circulation around the roots.
Phalaenopsis should be watered regularly, but not too much. It is important to let the potting mixture dry out slightly before watering again. Fertilizers can also be applied every few weeks during the growing season to help support healthy growth and flowering.
When taken care of properly, Phalaenopsis can bloom for months at a time, making them a beautiful addition to any houseplant collection.
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid)
Dancing-Doll Orchid
Dancing doll orchid, scientific name Wen Xin orchid, is an orchid native to Central and South America. This orchid is widely known for its unique appearance, reminiscent of dancing dolls due to its frilled and pleated petals.
The flowers of the dancing dolls usually bloom in summer and autumn and are characterized by bright colors, ranging from yellow to pink, red and orange. The petals are arranged in such a way that they resemble the arms and legs of dancing figures.
Dancing doll orchids are a popular ornamental plant, often grown in gardens and as potted plants. It requires bright indirect light and well-drained growing media. Like most orchids, it requires careful watering and fertilization to thrive. With proper care, this orchid can bloom and provide a beautiful display of colors and forms.
Oncidium Sphacelatum
(xxi) Green-Yellow Catasetum
The green and yellow wood thief is an orchid known for its striking green and yellow flowers, which are often large in size and unique in appearance. (When I first saw this flower, I felt a sense of passage: a pagan with a cloak.) What do you think it looks like? ）
The green and yellow wood thief is a deciduous orchid, which means it loses its leaves at certain times of the year, usually during the winter months. It is also a unisexual orchid, which means that each plant produces male or female flowers.
Green and yellow wood thieves need bright, indirect light and moderate to high humidity levels to thrive. It should be watered regularly during the growing season and allowed to dry slightly between waterings. This orchid also benefits from occasional fertilization during the growing season.
The Green and Yellow Wood Thief is a beautiful and unique orchid plant that can be a great addition to the collection of any orchid lover.
Green-yellow Catasetum
Vampire Orchid (Vampire Orchid)
The vampire orchid is a rare and unusual orchid native to the cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru. Due to its dark color and eerie appearance, it is named after the fictional vampire Count Dracula.
The vampire orchid is a small epiphytic orchid that grows on trees and other plants. It has crimson brown flowers, almost black, with slender petals and a distinctive hood-like structure that covers the reproductive part of the flower. The flower resembles a small black bat, pollinated by male mosquitoes attracted by its smell.
It is also highly sought after by orchid lovers and collectors, making it one of the most expensive orchids in the world.
Vampire Orchid
These flowers not only let us feel the magic and beauty of nature, but also show the continuous pursuit and exploration of beauty by human beings. Among the uniqueness of these flowers, it is not difficult to find the tenacity of vitality and the beauty of diversity.
In the bustling and noisy city, we may forget the beauty around us, but the existence of these flowers makes us feel the beauty of nature again, and also makes us re-examine the diversity and beauty of life. Whether it is walking in the sea of flowers or feeling a little beauty in your own life, these strange and beautiful flowers are opening the window of our hearts and making us feel a better world.