Leptotes bicolor
Leptotes bicolor is a species of orchid native to Paraguay and southern Brazil.[1] It is the type species of the genus Leptotes. Its flowers and fruits are used as a substitute for vanilla in milk and ice cream.
| Leptotes bicolor | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Genus: | Leptotes |
| Species: | L. bicolor |
| Binomial name | |
| Leptotes bicolor | |
| Synonyms | |
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It grows in cooler climates than vanilla, as its distribution occupies regions more distant from the equator. It contains vanillin, the main compound of the extract of the vanilla.[2] It is grown as an ornamental plant.
Description
Leptotes bicolor is a miniature sized epiphyte. The pseudobulbs are terete and the fragrant flowers are borne in groups of 1-3 and are mostly white with a prominent purple patch on the labellum.[3]
References
- La Croix, I. F.; Aubron, Manuel (2008). The New Encyclopedia of Orchids:1500 Species in cultivation. Timber Press. p. 246. ISBN 978-0-88192-876-1.
- "Leptotes bicolor". Flora Library. Retrieved 2011-08-21.
- "IOSPE PHOTOS: Leptotes bicolor". OrchidSpecies. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
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