Orchid flower (Platanthera chlorantha). Close-up of a flower that is part of a cluster that grows from an erect stem (seen at far left) that itself grows from the ground. The Platanthera orchids are distributed widely throughout the northern temperate regions. This orchid is from Europe and nearby regions. It is a terrestrial orchid (one that grows in the ground). There are more than 30,000 species of orchids worldwide, many of which are grown as ornamental flowers.