The term ‘orchid’ refers not to a genus of plant, but to a category of plants characterised by their symmetrical flowers, small seeds, and fused stamens (the small pollen-producing organ in the middle of a male flower).  Orchids can be either perennials or herbs (or both!), and it is interesting to note that a few orchids don’t grow leaves.  Orchids can be found growing in the wild almost everywhere on earth and are usually cultivated for their flowers.