laelia

[ lee-lee-uh ]

noun

1. any of several epiphytic tropical American orchids of the genus Laelia, having fleshy leaves and showy flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of laelia¹

< New Latin (1763), perhaps after Caius Laelius, Roman statesman of the 2nd century b.c.; -a ²

Example Sentences

Mr. Rolfe has satisfied himself that the strain of Laelia purpurata is always present.

From Project Gutenberg

And there, a short distance to the north, lives Laelia pumila, which might supply the rosy tinge.

From Project Gutenberg

The ordinary form of citrosmum also demands no comment, and I deal with the interesting Laelia Jongheana elsewhere.

From Project Gutenberg

Robin Measures is assumed to be a natural hybrid of Laelia xanthina × Catt.

From Project Gutenberg

In front and on one side are banks of tufa planted with Masdevallias, Lycastes, Laelia harpophylla, and so forth.

From Project Gutenberg