Australian Tropical Rainforest Orchids

Labellum hairs

Many species of orchids have hairs on the labellum. These can be simple structures or with the apex swollen into a gland. They are often a prominent feature in flowers that are pollinated by small flies.


On margins only: the hairs are restricted to the margins of the labellum.

Undersurface: very few species of orchids have hairs on the underside of the labellum.

On lamina (main part of the labellum): the upper surface of the labellum is adorned with hairs.

Restricted to apex: the hairs are restricted to the labellum apex.