1. Any orchid of the genus Psychopsis: spectacular large tiger-striped orchids
   "The butterfly orchid's striking pattern resembled the wings of a tropical butterfly"
    
2. Any orchid of the genus Oncidium: characterized by slender branching sprays of small yellow and brown flowers; often grown as houseplants
   "The butterfly orchid's dancing lady flowers swayed in the breeze";
   - oncidium, dancing lady orchid, butterfly plant
    
3. Mexican epiphytic orchid having pale green or yellow-green flowers with white purple-veined lip
   "The delicate veining on the butterfly orchid's petals resembled insect wings";
   - butterfly orchis, Epidendrum venosum, Encyclia venosa
    
4. Orchid of Florida and the Bahamas having showy brightly coloured flowers; sometimes placed in genus Epidendrum
   "Butterfly orchids added tropical colour to the Florida swamp";
   - Encyclia tampensis, Epidendrum tampense
    
5. Mediterranean orchid having usually purple flowers with a fan-shaped spotted or striped rose-red lip
   "The butterfly orchid's delicate blooms resembled small insects";
   - butterfly orchis, Orchis papilionaceae

Derived forms: butterfly orchids

Type of: orchid, orchidaceous plant, orchis

Part of: Encyclia, genus Encyclia, genus Oncidium, genus Psychopsis, Psychopsis

Encyclopedia: Butterfly orchid