Orchidaceae is the second largest family of flowering plants with more than 27,000 species inhabiting nearly every habitat worldwide. Orchids exhibit an exceptional
morphological and ecological diversity, and are highly valued on the global horticultural
market. Orchids possess unique morphological and physiological characteristics, such as
highly reduced seeds with an immature embryo, complex flower structures such as the
gynandrium and labellum, and have evolved crassulacean acid metabolism and
mycoheterotrophy multiple times independently. This range of traits renders orchids
prime non-model plants for studying different aspects of evolution through mechanistic
studies considering gene function, physiology, and phylogenetic relationships. As
summarized below, this Research Topic presents recent advances in orchid biology
and consists of 12 publications in the fields of reproductive development, evolution,
biotechnology, and photosynthesis
