Hybridization:

     Orchid hybrids are the offspring of two different parent orchid species. In nature hybridization is very rare, but it is thought to have lead to the rapid evolution of many orchid species. The chances of two parent species producing a fertile offspring is quite slim. It is much more likely to produce infertile offspring. Because of the thousands of ovules fertilized in orchid reproduction the chances of a viable hybrid offspring is far more likely than in most other species of flowering plants.

     Hybridization allows for a genetic variability amongst orchid species and the ability for orchids to fill more ecological niches. This gives the orchids as a whole more resistance to diseases and other blights.