butterfly plant
Noun: 1. Any orchid of the genus Oncidium: A type of orchid characterized by its slender, branching stems (sprays) bearing numerous small flowers, often in combinations of yellow and brown. These are popular as indoor houseplants. 2. A specific orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis or related species): An orchid species known for its large, fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers that are typically white or pink with red spots.
- The greenhouse specializes in various butterfly plants, particularly the dancing lady types with their delicate sprays.
- She received a beautiful butterfly plant with spotted pink flowers for her birthday.
- The term is used informally in horticulture and by plant enthusiasts. The specific meaning is often clarified by context or the plant's appearance (slender sprays vs. broad leaves and large flowers).
- Dancing lady orchid: A common name for orchids, referring to the flowers' resemblance to a dancing figure.
- Moth orchid: A common name for orchids, which includes the second type of "butterfly plant."
- (For ): Dancing lady orchid, golden shower orchid (for some species).
- (For ): Moth orchid, moon orchid.
The word "butterfly plant" has two distinct botanical meanings: 1. It primarily refers to orchids in the genus Oncidium, noted for their branching flower stems. 2. It can also refer to certain orchids in the genus Phalaenopsis, noted for their broad leaves and large, flat, often spotted flowers that resemble butterflies in flight. The shared name comes from the visual resemblance of the flowers to butterflies.
- any orchid of the genus Oncidium: characterized by slender branching sprays of small yellow and brown flowers; often grown as houseplants
- orchid having large elliptic to obovate fleshy leaves and fragrant pink-and-white flowers dotted with red