It is estimated that there are approx. 400,000 plant species on our planet, displaying a huge variation of colors and shapes. Their sizes, in particular, are extremely variable – from microscopic algae that look like snowflakes giant sequoias hundreds of meters high.
Some species have even evolved to look like an entirely different kind of living creature, either as an adaptation that provides a evolutionary advantage or just like a whim of nature. Anyway, here’s a selection of plants very similar to animals. Do you agree?
1. Monkey-faced orchid (Dracula simia)
Native to the mountainous regions of Ecuador, Colombia and Peru, this rare Orchid bears an uncanny resemblance to the face of a monkey.
Its scientific name, dracula simiarefers to the two long spurs that sprout from its flowers as vampire fangs, while “simian” means monkey in Latin. Blooming all year round, the orchid also emits a ripe orange scent.
2. Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera)
The bee orchid attracts male bees for pollination, imitating a receptive female. In addition to producing a scent that the male bee confuses with the seductive odor of a potential mate, its petals also resemble the shape of the female.
When the male mistakenly tries to mate with the object of his affections, he also transfers pollen to the flower.
3. Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesi)
The kangaroo foot is a group of 12 species of perennial plants whose bunches of flowers they look like the paws of a certain famous marsupial. The flowers are prized for their bright red and green colors, but the plant can only be found in the southern areas of Western Australia.
4. Naked man orchid (Orchis italica)
Also known as the Italian orchid, this flower has clusters of petals that look like cute naked little men. It blooms in April and May, can grow up to 50 centimeters in height, but requires deep, rich soil.
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5. Parrot flower (Impatiens psittacina)
With petals that resemble a flying kiteThe psittacine impatiens it can be found in Thailand, Myanmar and northeastern India.
The plant was cataloged by British botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker after the seeds were presented to Kew Gardens in 1899. Hooker was able to describe it in 1901 as it produced flowers. As the Thai government has banned its export, it remains a very rare species.
6. Flying duck orchid (Caleana major)
Growing wild in eastern and southern Australia, this tiny orchid looks like a flying duck getting ready to land. It can be found in eucalyptus forests in coastal or marshy regions and was first collected in 1803 on the site of the Sydney Opera House.
7. Flower of the Holy Spirit (Peristeria elata)
This orchid is not only notable for looking like a White dovebut apparently it smells a lot like beer. Unfortunately, has become so rare which is now on the official endangered species list. Organizations in Panama, where the flower originated, are working hard to rescue it from extinction.
8. White egret orchid (Habenaria radiata)
There’s no mistaking the birdlike shape of this delicate white flower, which grows mostly in China, Japan and Korea. Also known as fringed orchid or sagisois the official flower of the Setagaya district in Tokyo.
9. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
The Latin name of the moth orchid means «Phalaen-like», referring to a genus of large mothsPhalaena, which this flower is said to resemble.
The moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) is also a genus with more than 60 species. However, when viewed up close, it can also look a lot like a bird in flight. This floral beauty is native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
10. Red wing butterfly (Christia vespertilionis)
Looking a lot like a swarm of butterflies in flight, red butterfly wing is a rare tropical flower from Southeast Asia. Despite its rarity, it is a plant quite easy to growalthough fresh seeds can be difficult to obtain.
11. Fly orchid (Ophrys insectifera)
Like the bee orchid, the fly orchid depends on insects that mistakenly try to mate with it to achieve pollination. In this case, it attracts wasps and male bees, producing a perfume that mimics female sex pheromoneswhile the flower itself resembles a fly.
*ViaMental Floss