WHICH flower has more than 30,000 species, inhabits every continent and has a passionate society on the North-West Coast dedicated solely to it?

The orchid.

With such diversity, the Burnie Orchid Society has been going strong for half a century.

Celebrating its 50th birthday today, the group shows no weariness in growing its flower of choice.

""I love the native orchid species the best. Just the sheer uniqueness of them,"" life and committee member Barry Dudman said.

""And I love the cymbidium as they can have a spike of up to 20 flowers all of 100-110cm across. Just spectacular.""

Many people have an appreciation for orchids without realising it.

""You see them on corsages for weddings, races, special occasions. The flower art industry is huge,"" Mr Dudman said.

The group has long been fascinated with the range of options that orchids can offer.

""The bulk of the flowers are grown in spring, but some are grown all- year round,"" Mr Dudman said.

On this special day, the society has just one hope - to instil the love of orchids in the hearts of others.

""It all began for us with 12 people interested in growing orchids and we got together and thought we had enough to create a society,"" Mr Dudman said.

""And after all these years we now have 100 members and want to continue to pass on our knowledge.""