History of orchids

The earliest date about the orchid was from 370-285 VC that came from the Greek philosopher Thepratus. This philosopher wrote about the orchid “Orchis” (terrestisch genus). The genus “Orchis” has probably been the cause that the name orchids were brought to life. The name orchid was diverted from the Greek name “Orchis” which means testicle. It refers to the tuber of this genus. Two thousand years ago people were threaten for human illnesses by using different parts of plants that look like the parts of the human body were the illness was found. So it came that they used the tuber of the orchid “Orchis” to increase the sexual activity. Many researches of tropical plants (also the orchid) were done by doctors who were in service of trading companies. Clergymen and missionaries who were sent to areas were they had to proclaim the gospel, became fascinated by the flora of these warm areas. Writing about orchid plants was often seen as a hobby and so it became that the first descriptions of orchids started in the 16th and 17th centuries.

In 1789 England was the most important country in international trade and therefore had a large harbour in Liverpool. The ships that arrived had often the newest orchids to offer. In this way England got a prominent position according to the development of the orchids. Because the rich collectors became more needed towards new orchids they sent people to unknown and inhospitality areas. Joseph Banks was the first successfully orchid hunter who professionally went to look for unique specimen in far away countries. He organised expeditions for rich people and became an important person and co-founder of the Royal Horticultural Society in England. About 1830 it became clear that there was lot of money to earn by collecting beautiful orchids for the commercial market.