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labellum

plant anatomy
Also known as: lip

Quick Summary

The labellum is a distinctive part of an orchid's flower, often serving as a landing platform for pollinators. It is a modified petal, typically the median one, and is usually the most morphologically distinct. In orchids, the labellum is oriented to attract insects, and its shape and features can be highly specialized to interact with specific pollinators.123

The term "labellum" also refers to a terminal part of the labium or labrum in certain insects. In insects, the labium is a lower mouthpart formed by the second pair of maxillae, united in the midline. This insect labium can be liplike and is adapted for various feeding methods, such as chewing or sucking.245

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