Definition

Noun: 1. A specific orchid species: The "showy lady slipper" is the common name for Cypripedium reginae, a perennial, terrestrial orchid native to North America. It is characterized by its large, striking flowers which have a white or pale pink pouch (the "slipper") and pink to magenta-streaked sepals and petals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The showy lady slipper is considered one of the most beautiful wild orchids in the eastern United States.
  • We were lucky to find a small colony of showy lady slippers blooming in the bog.
  • Due to habitat loss, the showy lady slipper is protected in many states.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: In formal botanical or horticultural writing, the scientific name is often used alongside or instead of the common name "showy lady slipper" for precision.
  • The conservation plan focuses on protecting the habitat of Cypripedium reginae, commonly known as the showy lady slipper.

Variants and Related Words

• Lady's slipper / Lady slipper (n): The general common name for orchids of the genus , which share the distinctive slipper-shaped pouch. "Showy lady slipper" is a specific type within this group.
• Pink and white lady's slipper (n): An alternative common name for the same species, .
• Queen's lady slipper (n): Another less common name for this orchid, referencing its specific epithet (meaning "queen's").

Synonyms

• Cypripedium reginae (n): The scientific Latin name, used as a formal synonym.
• Pink and white lady's slipper (n): A descriptive synonym based on flower color.

Related Phrases / Terms

• Orchid family (Orchidaceae) (n): The large plant family to which the showy lady slipper belongs.
• Bog orchid (n): A general term for orchids that grow in wetland habitats like bogs and fens, which is the preferred habitat for the showy lady slipper.

Noun

1. pale pink wild orchid of northeastern America having an inflated pouchlike lip