ZYGOPETALUM

genus of about 20 species of tropical American orchids, family Orchidaceae, that are cultivated as ornamentals. All species grow on other plants and have egg-shaped pseudobulbs (swollen stems) that bear two or more long, thin leaves. The flowering spike is often 60 cm (24 inches) tall. Zygopetalum flowers have green petals and sepals, spotted with purple or brown, and a white lip streaked with purple. Two similar species, Z. mackayi and Z. intermedium, are commonly cultivated for their long-lasting, fragrant flowers.