Definition

Noun: * Showy lady's-slipper: A specific type of wild orchid (Cypripedium reginae) native to northeastern North America. It is characterized by its distinctive flower, which has a large, inflated, pouch-like lip that is typically white or pale pink, often with contrasting pink or magenta streaks. The plant is notable for its striking and ornate appearance.

Usage

• The term "showy lady's-slipper" is used as a common name for this particular orchid species. It functions as a singular, countable noun.
• It is primarily used in botanical, horticultural, and naturalist contexts to identify the plant.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The showy lady's-slipper is one of the largest native orchids in North America.
  • We were lucky to find a cluster of showy lady's-slippers blooming in the bog.
  • Conservation efforts are important to protect the habitat of the showy lady's-slipper.

Advanced Usage

• The name is often used in contrast to other "lady's-slipper" orchid species (e.g., the pink lady's-slipper, yellow lady's-slipper) to specify this particular showy and pink-tinged variety.
• In formal botanical writing, the scientific name is used alongside or instead of the common name.

Variants and Related Words

• Lady's-slipper (noun): The general common name for orchids of the genus , all featuring a slipper-shaped pouch.
• Cypripedium reginae (noun): The scientific Latin name for the showy lady's-slipper.
• Orchid (noun): The broader family of flowering plants to which the showy lady's-slipper belongs.

Synonyms

• Queen's lady's-slipper: Another common name for the same species ().
• Pink and white lady's-slipper: A descriptive name referencing its common coloration.

Notes

• The showy lady's-slipper is the state flower of Minnesota, USA.
• It is often found in wetlands, such as fens and swamps.
• As a wild orchid, it is protected in many areas and should not be picked or dug up.

Noun

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