''Leptotes bicolor'' is a species of orchid native to Paraguay and southern Brazil. It is the type species of the genus ''

Leptotes ''Leptotes'' can refer to: * ''Leptotes'' (butterfly), a genus of butterflies * ''Leptotes'' (plant), a genus of orchids {{Genus disambiguation ...

''. Its flowers and fruits are used as a substitute for vanilla in milk and ice cream. 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. It is grown as an ornamental plant.

Description

''Leptotes bicolor'' is a miniature sized

epiphyte An epiphyte is an organism that grows on the surface of a plant and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, water (in marine environments) or from debris accumulating around it. The plants on which epiphytes grow are called phoroph ...

. 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.

References

Cattleya Source: Leptotes bicolor

Orchid Plant Care: Orchids in Economic Botany
bicolor Orchids of Brazil Flora of Paraguay Spices Garden plants Crops originating from the Americas Crops originating from Brazil Crops originating from Paraguay Plants described in 1833 {{Laeliinae-stub