Glossary table of contents

general
Jepson eFlora

orchid glossary

Parts of an orchid flower

An orchid flower has three sepals and three petals in a bilateral arrangement (not radial). As usual, the petals are positioned inside the ring of sepals.

lower petal

The single petal in the lower (proximal) position on the flower. [figure]

lip

The lower petal, often with a highly modified shape. [Jepson, flower glossary]

upper petals

The two petals on either side of the flower and slightly above the midline. [figure]

lateral petals

The upper petals.

upper sepal

The single sepal in the upper (distal) position on the flower. [figure]

lower sepals

The two sepals on either side of the flower and slightly below the midline. [figure]

lateral sepals

The lower sepals.

column

A fusion of the stamens, style, and stigma. [Jepson]