But Ted, it is all wonderful information that you provided but I am still left to wonder why those orchids have root hairs in the first place while Cattleyas, for example, do not?
I am wondering since root hairs might just be extensions of the velamin, and they developed because of the slippers being semi-terrestrial. And therefore epiphytic orchids living in trees and shrubs didn't need root hairs. Instead they gather moisture by spreading out the roots and have them grow in the cracks and crevices of the bark?
Just giving me pause to wonder.
