Orchid Glossary

anther
The part of the stamen containing the pollen; the end of the column.

backbulb
An old pseudobulb behind the part of a sympodial orchid that is actively growing. Although there may be no leaves, the presence of undamaged "eyes" is a sign that growth is possible.

bifoliate
Having two leaves on the same bulb.

cane
An elongated psuedobulb, usually used when describing Dendrobiums.

cultivar
An individual plant or its vegetative propagations, a horticultural variety.

epiphyte, epiphytic
A plant which naturally grows upon another plant but does not derive any nourishment from it. Many of the orchids in cultivation are epiphytic.

eye
The bud of a sympodial orchid that will eventually develop into a new lead.

foliar spray
Many minor nutrients and trace elements beneficial to growth are best absorbed through the stomata of an orchids leaves when mixed with water and sprayed on the plant.

habitat
The type of geographic location where a plant normally grows.