Bletia

/ˈbliːʃə/ noun

Definition

A genus of tropical orchids with pink or purple flowers and pseudobulbs, native to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Etymology

Named after Luis Blet, an 18th-century Spanish botanist and gardener, using the Latinized suffix '-ia' for genus names. Honors a person's name in scientific nomenclature.

Kelly Says

Scientists name plants after people they want to honor, and Bletia orchids are tropical beauties that commemorate a Spanish botanist from centuries ago. Every time a botanist says 'bletia,' they're giving a shout-out across time!

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