It seems we’ve finally reached the end of our journey through orchid terminology from the American Orchid Society’s glossary. They’ve supplied us with orchid terms for the letters “T” through “V”, which we’ve augmented with some additional links for more in-depth explanations. But we turned to another glossary for the letters W, X, Y and Z.
Terrestrial- Growing on the ground and supported by soil.
Tetraploid- A plant with four sets of chromosomes. A normal plant is diploid with two sets of chromosomes. Most modern complex orchids hybrids are tetraploid. Compared to diploids, tetraploids general have larger, fuller and heavier substanced flowers.
Tissue Culture- The technique of culturing cells on a sterile synthetic media. There are two general methods use to propagate plants -- micropropagation and adventitious propagation.
Velamen- The thick sponge-like covering of the roots of epiphytic orchids which helps prevent water loss and aids in absorption.
Virus- A type of infectious agent, much smaller than common microorganisms, several forms of which affect certain kinds of orchids.
Whorl- arranged in a circular pattern
Wings- extensions of the lip that are winglike
Wooly- fine hair texture
Xerophyte- A plant that is adapted to a very dry, arid climate
Xerophytic- drought resistant through adaptation
Zygomorphic- bilaterally symmetrical with only a single plant that can be divided into two equal halves
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