Orchids have been a centerpiece of aesthetic beauty since the Victorian Era. This thesis aims to educate viewers on the many ethical issues surrounding orchids connecting to Imperialism, Colonialism, and even Manifest Destiny ideals. Collector’s Mentality goes hand in hand with the feverish pursuit of orchids and drives people to fostering a black market that is environmentally and economically detrimental overall. Through education we can bring collectors to a crossroads of enjoyment and a more conscious means of obtaining orchids. I will be taking viewers through a chronological exploration of various narratives as well as their symbiotic relationships as a means of reframing them. 

Through case studies such as the World Wildlife Crime Report focusing on the trade of live orchids we can understand the environmental and economic implications of the illegal orchid trade. Despite widespread availability of legally obtained orchids, collectors often pine for the newest and rarest species worth thousands of dollars. 1 This is an example of a contemporary problem that spans back into antiquity in terms of having a desire to control and possess beautiful organisms and other natural items, similarly to Colonialism. The orchid becomes a kitsch object to possess, rather than a cornerstone species within complex natural environments. 

1 “World Wildlife Crime Report 2024” Ac cessed February 21, 2025 https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and analysis/wildlife/2024/Cases_studies_all.pdf