Particular part of a cattleya flower - name for it

[SouthPark]

Hello! Does anyone happen to know if there is a name for this particular part of a cattleya type flower with the red arrow pointing to it? I know it is a part of the labellum/lip.

I wonder if there is a specific name for it ..... so that I can use the name in discussions.

In some photos of cattleya type flowers, that particular part is unfurled. In other photos, that part is still rolled up (as it is in this photo here). I was just trying to find a name for that part - just so that it can be referred to sometimes. Or just some terminology to describe the state of this part --- ie. that part unfurled (unrolled), or that part rolled up.

Thanks in advance for any details!

The pic below is a freely useable one from the internet. From Cattleya Orchid Flower - Free photo on Pixabay

[camille1585]

Interesting question. I'm not certain, but I think that part of the labellum is called the lateral lobe.

[PaphMadMan]

Lateral lobe is correct, and it doesn't matter if they are fused to the middle lobe or visibly separate, rolled or flat, they are still lateral lobes.

[SouthPark]

Thanks so much Camille and PMM! This word will be remembered, and will definitely remember who showed me this term.

I personally don't mind whether the lateral lobe is rolled up (tubular) or unrolled (splayed out). I just notice that ... for some flowers ..... some flowers can appear more elegant when rolled. Some appear less elegant when slightly unrolled. Others are nice when unfurled a lot. Thanks again!

[isurus79]

When judging for the AOS, we call those "side lobes"

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by isurus79

When judging for the AOS, we call those "side lobes"

Thanks very much Steve! That was incredibly helpful. I'll go with side lobes and/or lateral lobe from now on.

Can I ask as well if there is a term that can be commonly used to describe the gap or notch in the transition region between the side lobe and the lip? I've attached a snippet showing the gap on each side with a black-coloured arrow pointing to the gap.

Maybe a description I can use for now is something like - tri-lobe lip --- having two side-lobes, and a middle lobe (ie. front of lip), with a prominent gap/notch in the region between each side-lobe and middle-lobe.

Thanks again Steve!

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

Thanks very much Steve! That was incredibly helpful. I'll go with side lobes and/or lateral lobe from now on.

Can I ask as well if there is a term that can be commonly used to describe the gap or notch in the transition region between the side lobe and the lip? I've attached a snippet showing the gap on each side with a black-coloured arrow pointing to the gap.

Maybe a description I can use for now is something like - tri-lobe lip --- having two side-lobes, and a middle lobe (ie. front of lip), with a prominent gap/notch in the region between each side-lobe and middle-lobe.

Thanks again Steve!

I'd say the lip is ruffled, notched centrally and then I'd discuss the side lobes separately.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I'd say the lip is ruffled, notched centrally and then I'd discuss the side lobes separately.

Excellent description Steve. Short and accurate. Thanks for sharing your experience! Genuinely appreciated.

[isurus79]

You’re welcome!

[PaphMadMan]

Since lateral means "on the side", the terms are interchangeable, of course. Tri-lobed is usually used where the lateral lobes are particularly prominent. Compare Encyclia alata with Encyclia tampensis, for example.