Is there a Key for Orchids?

[Tindomul]

Is there such a thing as a Key for Orchids? I would like to learn how to key out the orchids from a book so I never have to have an unknown again! I can't deal of NOIDs. I know, I'm wierd.

[Sandra Billeter]

Good luck! With about 25,000 species and about 125,000 registered hybrids, I doubt that you will find a reference that will identify all of them. However, 2 books that we like are Botanica's Orchids and Taylor's Guide to Orchids. Both have lots of pics and good info and they are the first two we turn to with ID questions.

Sandra in South Carolina

[Tindomul]

Thanks! I will look into those.

[Ray]

Species are possible, hybrids, once they have truly lost their ID, are simply not identifiable. There are too many similar hybrids out there, so being absolutely certain is impossible.