Continuing Through the Orchid Glossary from F to L

In comparison to our earlier forays into the world of phalaenopsis orchid terminology, this group seems fairly straightforward. Either that, or we’ve already learned so much, it’s coming naturally to us now. Still, we can’t stop mid-alphabet! So here are some more of our addendums to the orchid terms from the American Orchid Society’s glossary, covering the letters “F” through “L”.

Foliar spray - many minor nutrients and trace elements beneficial to growth are best absorbed through the stomata of an orchids leaves when mixed with water and sprayed on the plant.

• Stomata - the breathing pores on the surface of a plant's leaves.

Genus (pl. genera) - a natural grouping of closely related species.

• Species - a kind of plant that is distinct from other plants.

Habitat - the type of place in which a plant normally grows.

Hybrid - the offspring of a cross between species or hybrids.

• Species - a kind of plant that is distinct from other plants.
• Don’t they know not to use the word itself in the definition? Here’s another explanation of “hybrid” from Wikipedia: A hybrid is the combination of two or more different things, aimed at achieving a particular objective or goal. In biology: the offspring resulting from cross-breeding of different plants or animals. Once these offspring exist, they can be crossed with other such cross-bred offspring.

Inflorescence - the flowering portion of a plant.

Intergeneric hybrid - a hybrid between members of two or more genera. (See “genus” above)

Keiki - a Hawaiian word referring to a baby plant produced asexually by an orchid plant, usually used when referring to Dendrobiums or Vandaceous orchids.

Lead - an immature vegetative growth on a sympodial orchid that will develop into flower-producing structure.

• Sympodial - means "with conjoined feet", and photo examples may help explain better.

Lip - a modified petal of the orchid flower specialized to aid in pollination and different than the other petals.

Lithophyte - an orchid that grows on rocks.