There's something about orchids that stirs up strong feelings in their admirers.

Katherine Weitz, a member of the Great Divide Orchid Society and one of Helena's most ardent orchid lovers, has a good idea for the reasons behind their allure.

"They are totally fascinating," Weitz said. "They're so unusual. You can never be bored with orchids because there are so many kinds."

There are over 25,000 orchid species growing naturally in the world, Weitz said, and 40,000-50,000 hybrid species -- a number that expands every day. They are native to six of the seven continents and practically every type of climate.

Orchids can vary in size from blooms the size of a pinhead to ones the size of a person's hand. They come in varieties that mimic other scents, like Maxillaria tenuifolia -- one of Weitz's personal favorites in her collection -- which has a coconut scent.

Weitz said she knows people who limit their collections to just fragrant blooms -- and they have plenty to choose from.

Some are beautifully fragrant. Others -- although probably not the most popular with collectors -- mimic the smell of foul things such as rotting flesh to attract bugs to pollinate them.

Weitz and the other 30 or so members of the Orchid Society are hosting their annual orchid show this weekend at the Capital Hill Mall.

This year is the 10th year the orchid society has put on the event, a span that has seen the popularity of the enigmatic flower bloom, with a best-selling book, "The Orchid Thief," and a feature film adaption of the book, "Adaptation" devoted to the flower.

The event typically features about 125 plants that are evaluated by judges from the American Orchid Society.

According to Weitz, it's a misconception that orchids are temperamental and difficult to grow.

"Anybody can grow orchids if they're interested," she said.

Weitz added that people shouldn't feel frustrated if they're not successful at first -- she's had her share of plants die too.

"I've probably killed 50 plants," she said. "We all kill them."

In addition to the orchids on display at the show, there will be a series of educational talks.

- Saturday, 3 p.m.: Choosing orchids for your growing conditions;

- Sunday, 1 p.m.: Native Montana orchids;

- Sunday, 1:30 p.m.: angraecoid orchids;

- Sunday, 2 p.m.: How to divide and repot your orchids.

Members of the public are invited to enter healthy, blooming orchids in the show.

Reporter Joe Menden: 447-4087 or helenair.com

If you go

Great Divide Orchid Society is having its 10th annual show at the Capital Hill Mall this weekend. Show hours are Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. Judging will be Saturday morning before the show opens.