Definition

Noun: 1. A European orchid (Platanthera chlorantha) with greenish-white flowers arranged in a spike, noted for the wide separation of its pollen masses. 2. A tropical American orchid (Oncidium papilio or related species) with flowers that resemble a butterfly in shape and often have bright yellow and brown markings. 3. (Common name) Any of various orchids from different genera whose flowers are thought to resemble butterflies, including species from Encyclia, Psychopsis, and Habenaria.

Examples of Usage

• The butterfly orchid growing on the old oak tree finally bloomed, its delicate yellow and brown flowers dancing in the breeze.
• While hiking, we were lucky to spot the rare green-flowered butterfly orchid native to these woodlands.
• Her collection features several types of butterfly orchid, each with uniquely patterned petals.

Advanced Usage

• The term "butterfly orchid" is a common name, not a scientific one. Its specific meaning depends on geographical and horticultural context. In a European context, it typically refers to a terrestrial orchid like . In a tropical or houseplant context, it usually refers to epiphytic orchids like or .

Variants and Related Words

• Butterfly orchis: An older or alternative name for the European species.
• Psychopsis: A genus of orchids commonly called "butterfly orchids" due to their large, strikingly patterned flowers that mimic butterflies.
• Oncidium: A large genus of orchids, many species of which are popularly known as "butterfly orchids" or "dancing lady orchids."

Synonyms

• (For types) Dancing lady orchid.
• (For ) Tiger orchid.

Notes on Different Meanings

1. Botanical Meaning (Europe): Primarily refers to terrestrial, often green-flowered orchids (e.g., ) found in meadows and woodlands.
2. Horticultural Meaning (Global): More commonly refers to showy, epiphytic tropical orchids (especially and ) cultivated for their vividly colored, butterfly-like flowers.
3. Regional Meaning (e.g., Florida, Bahamas): Can specifically refer to , an orchid with fragrant, bronze-and-green flowers.

Noun

1. Mediterranean orchid having usually purple flowers with a fan-shaped spotted or striped rose-red lip
2. orchid of Florida and the Bahamas having showy brightly colored flowers; sometimes placed in genus Epidendrum
3. Mexican epiphytic orchid having pale green or yellow-green flowers with white purple-veined lip
4. any orchid of the genus Oncidium: characterized by slender branching sprays of small yellow and brown flowers; often grown as houseplants
5. any orchid of the genus Psychopsis: spectacular large tiger-striped orchids