moth orchid

moth orchid
any orchid of the genus Phalaenopsis, having thick, leathery leaves and loose clusters of flowers, usually white or tinged with rose or purple.
[1875-80]

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▪ plant
      any plant of the genus Phalaenopsis, family Orchidaceae, consisting of about 45 species native to southeastern Asia and part of Australia. A moth orchid has a short stem that bears several broad, leathery leaves.

      The flower spike arises from the base of the plant and has one to several long-lasting flowers. Some species are cultivated for the commercial flower trade and are crossed to produce hybrids with beautiful white, purple, and pink flowers.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • moth orchid — noun any of various orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis having often drooping glossy broad obovate or oval leaves usually dark green flushed purple or mottled grey and silver • Syn: ↑moth plant • Hypernyms: ↑orchid, ↑orchidaceous plant • Hyponyms:… …   Useful english dictionary

  • moth orchid — /ˈmɒθ ɔkəd/ (say moth awkuhd) noun any of various orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis, resembling moths or butterflies in shape, being primarily evergreen epiphytic plants growing on tree trunks and leaves …  

  • moth plant — noun any of various orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis having often drooping glossy broad obovate or oval leaves usually dark green flushed purple or mottled grey and silver • Syn: ↑moth orchid • Hypernyms: ↑orchid, ↑orchidaceous plant • Hyponyms …   Useful english dictionary

  • orchid — /awr kid/, n. 1. any terrestrial or epiphytic plant of the family Orchidaceae, of temperate and tropical regions, having usually showy flowers. Cf. orchid family. 2. the flower of any of these plants. 3. a bluish to reddish purple. [1835 45; < NL …   Universalium

  • hawk moth — any of numerous moths of the family Sphingidae, noted for their very swift flight and ability to hover while sipping nectar from flowers. Also called sphingid, sphinx moth, hummingbird moth. [1775 85] * * * or sphinx moth Any moth of the… …   Universalium

  • Pyramidal orchid — Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae (unranked) …   Wikipedia

  • Mullein Moth — Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum …   Wikipedia

  • Phalaenopsis — noun genus of ornamental epiphytic orchids of Asia and Australia • Syn: ↑genus Phalaenopsis • Hypernyms: ↑monocot genus, ↑liliopsid genus • Member Holonyms: ↑Orchidaceae, ↑family Orchidaceae, ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • orchidaceous plant — noun any of numerous plants of the orchid family usually having flowers of unusual shapes and beautiful colors • Syn: ↑orchid • Hypernyms: ↑flower • Hyponyms: ↑orchis, ↑aerides, ↑angrecum, ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • butterfly plant — noun 1. orchid having large elliptic to obovate fleshy leaves and fragrant pink and white flowers dotted with red • Syn: ↑Phalaenopsis amabilis • Hypernyms: ↑moth orchid, ↑moth plant • Member Holonyms: ↑Phalaenopsis, ↑ge …   Useful english dictionary

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