ALL ABOUT INDONESIA- So far, there ate around 750 families, 43,000 species and 35,000 varieties of orchid hybrids have been identified from all over the world. Indonesia has 5,000 species. Of that number, 986 species are scattered in the Javanese forests, 971 species are in Sumatra, 113 species grow in Maluku Islands, and the rest can be found in Sulawesi, Irian Jaya, Nusa Tenggara and Kalimantan.

Orchid is one of the most popular ornamental plants. Because of its popularity, everyone seems familiar to this flower. Especially in urban culture, orchids are commonly used for various social rites such as religious ceremonies, room ornamental and decorations, expressions of love, or simply to congratulate on a celebration or expressions of grief at the moment of death.However, perhaps there are still many who do not know that this plant was once considered as a representation of men. At least if we concerned in the naming of this plant. Obviously, the language used has masculine articulation rather than femininity.

As is known, orchid is included in the family Orchidaceae. Derived from Greek, orchid is etymologically coming from the word orchis that means "testicle". The term orchid itself was introduced in 1845 by John Lindley as short for orchidaceae.
Referring to Ayub S Parnata in Panduan Budi Daya dan Perawatan Anggrek (the Orchid Cultivation and Care Guide) (2007), said that in ancient Greece times, orchids were commonly identified with the existence of men, both related to color and shape. Orchid is representations that symbolize fertility and virility. Even there was also found a myth, if someone consumes young orchids then they can have a son, otherwise eating old orchids will give them a daughter.

Indonesia has another myth about the scorpion orchid for instance that having scientific name as Arachnis flos-aeris. Shaped like a scorpion or ketonggeng, this flower was first discovered by Schlechter at Minahasa in 1911. Located in an area of 800-1000 meters, this flower is believed to bring bad suggestions for those who plant it. That said, anyone who plants this type of orchid will usually experience hardships such as frequent illnesses, inharmonious households, and others. It is certainly irrelevant if we intend to uncover further about the truth over the myth and history of orchid construction as a symbol of men. Moreover, uncovering the truth and meaning of scorpion orchid myth, it will be end up in vain. That is since myths often have its own logic of understanding, which is often hard to be understood in modern rationality.

Rather than talking about the orchid’s myth, it certainly will be important if we get to know the natural wealth and biodiversity around us instead. Indeed, even though Indonesia's territory is only about 1.3% of the earth, it has very high biodiversity. Referring to Diversity Flora di Indonesia (the Flora Biodiversity article in Indonesia) written by Cecep Kusmana and Agus Hikmat (2017), discussing about the category of plants or flora, Indonesia has at least 25% of the flowering plant species in the world. It means that Indonesia is the seventh largest country with 20,000 species, of which 40 percent are endemic or native to Indonesia. The plant family that has most species members is orchids (Orchidaceae).
Meanwhile, Indonesian orchid is known as one of the central diversity of orchids in the world. It is apparently still relevant to write about the diversity of Indonesian orchid species.
Original Species
Orchid (Orchidaceae) is adaptable to its environment. It is not surprising that orchid can be found in almost all parts of the world. Its growing location can also be very diverse ranging from low-lying areas to highlands and starting from cold temperatures to hot temperatures areas.
In general, orchid can be classified into two, namely epiphytic and terrestrial. The epiphytic category is a type of orchid that grows attached to other plants, but is not parasitic or detrimental to the plants it occupies. Examples of this kind of orchid are the genera of Dendrobium, Bulbophyllum, and Coelogyne. Meanwhile, the terrestrial category is orchids that grow on the ground, for example, the genera of Spathoglottis, Calanthe, and Paphiope-dilum.

Referring to the book entitled Anggrek Spesies Indonesia (Indonesian Species Orchid), published by the Horticulture Seeding Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, so far at least 750 families, 43,000 species and 35,000 hybrid varieties of orchid have been identified from all over the world. Indonesia has around 5,000 species and among those numbers are known to be endemic species of Indonesia, both those that grow in the wilderness and have been cultivated by the people. Of that number, 986 species are spread on Java island; 971 species are on Sumatra Island; 113 species grow in Maluku Islands; and the rest can be found in Sulawesi, Irian Jaya, Nusa Tenggara, and Kalimantan.
It is important to be noted that orchid species is a term to refer to natural growth orchid and generally flourished in the forest ecosystems, and have not been artificially crossed with other types of orchids. Orchid species that is also often called jungle orchid is germplasm as a source of biodiversity. Referring the Minister ofEnvironment and Forestry Regulation No. P.20 / MENLHK / SETJEN / KUM.1 / 6/2018 on the types of protected plants and animals, there are 27 orchids which are designated as protected from the threat of extinction.

As the concern of conservation, on January 9th 1993, the government through Presidential Decree No. 4 of 1993 stipulated Anggrek Bulan (Moon Orchid) as Puspa Pesona. Having latin name as Phaleonopsis amabilis, this orchid grows attached to the trunk or branches, is one of the endemic of Indonesian orchid species. Karl Ludwig von Blume (1796 - 1862), a botanist with Dutch German blood, is the name giver. Phalaenopsis consists of two Greek words, namely "phalaena" and "opsis", which means it looks like a butterfly. Meanwhile, amabilis means beautiful and charming. The white color has been exuding the beauty of this White Moon Orchid and made it to be chosen as Indonesia's national flower.

Interestingly, referring to the book entitled Anggrek Spesies Indonesia (Indonesian Orchid Species) estimated that there are around 500 species are commercially valuable commodities to be developed. Referring to the records of the Agricultural Data and Information System in the Outlook Anggrek (2015), the common types of orchids that are cultivated for commercial purposes are Dendodrium, Cattleya, Vanda, and Orcidium. Dendrobium is one of the most popular types of orchids. Besides its affordable price, Dendrobium orchid cultivation is also relatively easy. As is known, orchid in Indonesia occupy an important position in the floriculture industry. Floriculture is a branch of horticulture that studies the cultivation of ornamental plants such as cut flowers, potted plants, or garden decoration plants.

Talking about the superiority of orchids from the business aspect is caused by the variety, both in terms of the shape, color and size of the flowers. In addition, it also generally has longer life phase than other cut flowers. Orchid marketing can be in the form of compot, individual plants or juvenile plants, mature plants and cut flowers. Discussing about species of orchids is actually the starting point of cross-produced production that has economic value. The diversity of orchid species in Indonesia is clearly potential as a cross parent. The existence of cross-bred variety does clearly make it possible to find new orchid varieties.

Finally, it is expected not only to enlarge and add the biodiversity of orchids in Indonesia, but also to further provide its own comparative advantage over Indonesian economic commodities that have economic value.