Part 153. The orchid family (Orchidaceae). Examples: vanilla (Fig. 148 I) and lady's-slippers (Figs. 212, 213).

See formulas of Cypripedium, Vanilla, and Orchidaceae on pages 424, 425.

Although in the flowers of this family we can recognize the fundamental type of structure exhibited by the lily-like families, it is here modified by many curious and elaborate complications. An orchid might be described as a lily with irregular perianth, one or two stamens inserted upon the style, the other four or five being suppressed or represented by staminodes, and with an inferior ovary so twisted as to bring the flower upside down. A flower thus turned is said to be resupinate.1 However obscure the morphology of special parts may sometimes appear, orchids may usually be recognized as perennial herbs, with irregular, resupinate, epigynous flowers, having a petaloid perianth, one or two stamens adhering to the style, and a capsular fruit with exalbuminous seeds.

1 Re-su'pi-nate - L. re, back; supinare, bend.

Part 154. The Orchid Order

Part 154. The orchid order (Orchidales or Microspermae) contains but one other family. This agrees with the orchids in comprising herbs similar to the epigynous families of the lily order but forming innumerable seeds of exceedingly small size.

See the formula of Orchidales on pages 424, 425.