What Is a Labellum? The Lip Petal of Orchid Flowers
A labellum is the lip of an orchid flower. UF IFAS Extension says it is a modified petal that sits directly below the column and acts as a landing area for pollinators.
The short answer
The labellum is the orchid lip, a petal shaped for landing insects. UF IFAS says it sits just below the column, which holds the anther and stigma. Orchid nectar tissue, when present, is often at the base of the lip. NC State notes the cattleya lip is often a contrasting color.
What is a labellum?
It is a petal changed in shape and often color. UF calls the column a unique orchid structure that houses both the male and female parts. The labellum lies below it. Other flower parts are covered in cannabis seed anatomy.
How does the labellum help pollination?
It positions the visitor. UF says that as a pollinator moves on the labellum, it comes into contact with the pollen. Orchid pollen is fused into packets called pollinia. A sticky part called the viscidium helps them cling to the insect. On the next flower the pollinia likely reach the stigma. Bee visits are covered in what roles bees play in outdoor cannabis.
How do labellums differ between orchids?
Shape and color vary. NC State says moth orchids were once only white, pale pink or white with a pink lip. Cattleya is the corsage orchid with a prominent lip. UF describes a bee orchid whose lip looks like a female solitary bee. Bucket orchids have a lip shaped into a bucket. Leaf traits are covered in cannabis leaf anatomy.
| Orchid | Lip note | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Moth orchid | Often white with a pink lip | NC State |
| Cattleya | Prominent lip, often a contrasting color | NC State |
| Bee orchid | Lip looks like a female bee | UF IFAS |
| Bucket orchid | Lip forms a bucket | UF IFAS |
How to: step by step
- Pick an open orchid flower.
- Hold a hand lens close to the bloom.
- Find the central column first.
- Look directly below it for the lip.
- Compare two or three orchids.
- Sketch what you see with the plant name and date.
Troubleshooting
Lip looks like the other petals: compare shape and color.
Column hidden: look just above the lip.
No pollen visible: UF says the pollinia sit under the anther cap.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. Garden pairing ideas are in companion plants when growing marijuana.
Sources
- Orchid pollination biology (ENH1260), UF IFAS Extension
- Phalaenopsis (moth orchid), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Cattleya, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
FAQ
Is the labellum a petal?
Yes. UF IFAS says the labellum, or lip, is a modified petal that acts as a landing area for pollinators.
What is the column in an orchid?
UF IFAS says the column is a central structure that houses the anther and the stigma. The labellum sits directly below it.
Can an orchid lip look like an insect?
Yes. UF IFAS describes a bee orchid whose lip resembles a female solitary bee.
What is a bucket orchid?
UF IFAS says bucket orchids have a modified labellum that forms a bucket. Bees that fall in must brush past the pollinia to climb out.
What are pollinia?
UF IFAS says orchid pollen is fused into two to eight compact packets called pollinia under the anther cap.
