Orchid Royalty-Free Stock Photography

Like most monocots, orchids generally have simple leaves with parallel veins, although some Vanilloideae have reticulate venation. They are normally alternate on the stem, often folded lengthwise along the centre `plicate`, and have no stipules. Orchid leaves often have siliceous bodies called stegmata in the vascular bundle sheaths not present in the Orchidoideae and are fibrous. The leaves of most orchids are perennial, that is, they live for several years, while others, especially those with plicate leaves as in Catasetum, shed them annually and develop new leaves together with new pseudobulbs. The leaves of some orchids are considered ornamental. The leaves of the Macodes sanderiana, a semiterrestrial or rock-hugging `lithophyte` orchid, show a sparkling silver and gold veining on a light green background. The cordate leaves of Psychopsis limminghei are light brownish-green with maroon-puce markings, created by flower pigments. The attractive mottle of the leaves of lady`s slippers from tropical and subtropical Asia Paphiopedilum, is caused by uneven distribution of chlorophyll. Also, Phalaenopsis schilleriana is a pastel pink orchid with leaves spotted dark green and light green. The jewel orchid Ludisia discolor is grown more for its colorful leaves than its white flowers.