Fact check: Orchids are parasites

1. Summary of the results

The statement "orchids are parasites" is oversimplified and largely incorrect. While there is a parasitic component to orchid biology, it's much more complex:

• Of approximately 20,000 orchid species worldwide, only about 300 species are completely parasitic ^{[1] [1]}
• All orchids begin their life cycle as parasites on fungi, but most develop leaves and become photosynthetic as they mature ^{[1] [2]}
• Most orchids actually engage in a symbiotic relationship with orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF), which is crucial for their survival, rather than a purely parasitic relationship ^[3]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important aspects are missing from the original statement:

• Developmental stages: All orchid seedlings start as fungal parasites because their seeds contain no nutritional resources ^[1]
• Symbiotic relationships: Rather than being parasites, most orchids form mutually beneficial relationships with fungi for nutrient acquisition and development ^[3]
• Growth patterns: When orchids grow on trees, they are actually epiphytes or "air plants" that use trees only for support, not for nutrients ^[4]
• Species diversity: There are approximately 20,000 species of orchids worldwide, showing the vast diversity in their biological relationships ^[4]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement contains several problematic assumptions:

• It overgeneralizes a complex biological relationship that varies among species and developmental stages
• It ignores the distinction between true parasitism and epiphytic growth patterns ^[4]
• It fails to acknowledge the predominant symbiotic relationship most orchids have with fungi ^[3]
• It overlooks the fact that most mature orchids are actually photosynthetic and self-sustaining ^[2]

This oversimplification could potentially mislead orchid enthusiasts and gardeners about proper orchid care and their ecological role.