"Boat Orchid"?

[AnonYMouse]

Why?

Androcymbium and Restrepia cymbula might resemble boats but the genus doesn't. They don't grow around boats. Their parts would make for poor floating vessels.

So, why?

[JScott]

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

Their parts would make for poor floating vessels.

I'm dead

I've heard of this "boat orchid" thing, but I don't think very many people actually call it that. The explanation I've heard is that it is called that because the lip resembles a boat. I guess if you squint and turn your head, it might, but it's definitely a stretch. Or maybe whoever wrote whatever explanation I read about the lip and the boat (don't remember where I heard that) was just making it up because they didn't know either and didn't have anything better.

---------- Post added at 09:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:59 PM ----------

Actually, come to think of it, I think I read that in this big, glossy, lovely coffee table book about orchids my parents got me for my 10th birthday in 1992. It's probably in my mom's attic now.