phalaenopsis

[ fal-uh-nop-sis ]

/ ˌfæl əˈnɒp sɪs /

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

Also called moth orchid.

Origin of phalaenopsis

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

This is important, as it explains all the astounding projections on the labellum of Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, etc.

More Letters of Charles Darwin Volume II |Charles Darwin
The story of Phalaenopsis Sanderiana is a striking instance.

The Woodlands Orchids |Frederick Boyle
Further back in the mountains I came across some fine species of Phalaenopsis.

Wanderings Among South Sea Savages And in Borneo and the Philippines |H. Wilfrid Walker
The Phalaenopsis, they said, abounded within a few hundred yards, and the Aerides was common enough.

The Woodlands Orchids |Frederick Boyle

The discovery of Phalaenopsis Sanderiana was an interesting event; nor for botanists alone.

The Woodlands Orchids |Frederick Boyle