Monkey orchids are a family of plants. And they all look like monkeys. Mother Nature seems to have had primates in mind when creating these unusual flowers.

The Dracula orchid genus, also known as the “monkey orchid,” is a family of more than 110 different species.

varieties that bear a strange resemblance to monkey heads. Most Dracula Orchid Simia

Specimens have been discovered in southern Ecuador and in the mountainous rainforests of Peru.

Carlyle A. Lueren, a botanist, named the “monkey species” in 1978. Dracula ape means

“little dragon monkey”, in reference to its long fang-shaped petals. Despite its obvious resemblance to

monkeys, the flowers are fragrant and smell like ripe oranges.

These exotic flowers prefer deep shade, humidity and, contrary to popular belief, cool temperatures. Are you thinking about growing your own? So before we begin, here are the facts:It is possible to find vendors selling Dracula seeds on the Internet. However, please note that

Growing these seeds is not recommended for newcomers to orchids. The seeds of the monkey orchid are almost as fine as

dust and require special care to grow properly. Even under ideal conditions, it will take three to

eight years to reach flowering size.

Dracula saulii. Photo: Wikia If you think you have the knowledge and can provide the right environment, here are someDracula orchids that are easier to grow: Dracula erythrocheate, Dracula bella and Dracula cordobae.

Just make sure you buy your seeds from a reputable dealer, as there are many scammers selling monkey seeds.

orchid seeds online.

Photo: Columbus GV Team Photo: AP Sijm. Swiss Orchid Foundation at the Jany Renz Herbarium. Botanical Institute, University of Basel, Switzerland.

Photo by: Columbus GV Team But hey, why would nature make a particular group of orchids look like monkeys? we do not knowSure, but there’s definitely a pattern and it’s exciting to discover.