Our natural world really can be as weird and wonderful as anything you'd find in a sci-fi movie.
Now, I wasn't exactly born with 'green fingers', but I can certainly appreciate the pleasures that come with having a garden. The older I get, the more I see why so many people crave a home complete with a lush garden - investing countless hours and substantial funds into crafting their perfect personal oasis.
Now for the fun part. The following images are guaranteed to make every gardener - and even the most inexperienced among us - rush to the nearest nursery to nurture these extraordinary plants. Even if, like me, your horticultural knowledge is a little sparse, trust me when I say that these plant species are simply enchanting.
Many of us are familiar with the traditional Orchid - a common, yet beautiful addition to many households. Orchids form one of the largest plant families on Earth, boasting an astounding 30,000 species. Given this immense diversity, it's no surprise that a few peculiar variants lurk among them.
Behold, the Monkey Orchid - aptly named due to its striking resemblance to a charming primate face.
This cute botanical wonder, officially named Dracula Simia (translating to "little dragon monkey"), is native to the southeastern forests of Ecuador and Peru.
Most commonly found in cloud forests between altitudes of 1,000 and 2,000 meters, these adorable "faces" are created by the flower's uniquely shaped petals and stamens.
Botanist Carlyle A. Lueren bestowed the name on this species in 1978. Despite their visual similarity to our monkey companions, you'll be relieved to know they bear no resemblance in scent. Instead, the Monkey Orchid rewards us with the delightful aroma of ripe oranges when in bloom.
In their natural habitat, these orchids can bloom at any time, thriving in high humidity (around 70%-100%), cool temperatures, and low light. This makes them a challenging endeavor for home cultivation, even for the most budding garden enthusiast.
Growing up to two feet tall, these orchids are recommended to be potted in sphagnum moss rather than soil when attempting to nurture them at home.
Finally, it's worth noting that the orchid genus 'Dracula' encompasses 118 unique species, all hailing from Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Central America, and Colombia.
So next time you're considering adding a touch of the extraordinary to your garden, why not consider the enchanting and quirky Monkey Orchid?