phalaenopsis

American  

[fal-uh-nop-sis] / ˌfæl əˈnɒp sɪs /

noun

plural

phalaenopsis

1. any of various epiphytic orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis, native to tropical Asia, having clusters of showy, variously colored flowers.

---

Etymology

Origin of phalaenopsis

< New Latin (1825), equivalent to Greek phál ( l ) ain ( a ) moth + -opsis -opsis; reflecting the popular name moth orchid

Example Sentences

Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis is emitting its delightful aroma at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2022

The Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis is an epiphyte - a plant that grows on another plant but gets its own nutrients from the surrounding air and rainwater.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2022

Almost inevitably there are marble floors with truffle insets, acres of Persian carpets, hard-backed settees upholstered in maroon leather, silk-shaded ginger-jar table lamps casting light on phalaenopsis orchids planted in generic tole jardinières.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2020

Now this highly pungent orchid – Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis – is in bloom for the first time in a glasshouse at Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

From The Guardian • Dec. 21, 2019

The variety of Dendrobium phalaenopsis hereafter to bear Baron Schröder’s name was sent to Kew by Forbes about 1857.

From The Woodlands Orchids by Boyle, Frederick