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
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Monocots
Order:
Asparagales
Family:
Orchidaceae
Subfamily:
Epidendroideae
Tribe:
Epidendreae
Subtribe:
Laeliinae
Genus:
Leptotes
Species:
L. bicolor
Binomial name
Leptotes bicolor
Synonyms
  • Tetramicra bicolor (Lindl.) Rolfe
  • Leptotes serrulata Lindl.
  • Leptotes glaucophylla Hoffmanns.
  • Tetramicra serrulata (Lindl.) G. Nicholson

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]

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References
  1. 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.
  2. "Leptotes bicolor". Flora Library. Retrieved 2011-08-21.
  3. "IOSPE PHOTOS: Leptotes bicolor". OrchidSpecies. Retrieved 2016-10-07.


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