Definition

Noun: * A species of orchid: Habenaria bifolia is the scientific name for a specific type of orchid plant. It is characterized by having fragrant, greenish-white flowers and is native to parts of southern Europe.

Usage Notes

• This term is a scientific name (binomial nomenclature) used in botany. It is always written in italics. The first part () is the genus name, and the second part () is the specific epithet.
• In common language, it may be referred to by a common name, such as "Lesser Butterfly-orchid" (a name it shares with similar species). The scientific name is precise and avoids confusion.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The meadow was dotted with the delicate spikes of Habenaria bifolia. (The meadow was dotted with the delicate spikes of the Habenaria bifolia orchid.)
  • Researchers are studying the pollination mechanisms of Habenaria bifolia. (Researchers are studying the pollination mechanisms of Habenaria bifolia.)

Advanced Usage

• The species epithet "" comes from Latin, meaning "two-leaved," which describes a typical growth characteristic of the plant.
• In taxonomic classification, this name may be followed by the author citation (the name of the botanist who first formally described it), e.g., (L.) R.Br.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Name: Lesser Butterfly-orchid.
• Synonym (in older classifications): . This reflects a historical reclassification where this species was placed in a different genus (). In current WordNet, it is listed under .

Synonyms

• Lesser Butterfly-orchid (common name).
• Platanthera bifolia (scientific synonym from a different taxonomic classification).

Noun

1. south European orchid having fragrant greenish-white flowers; sometimes placed in genus Habenaria