Labella

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small, fleshy structure often found on flowers that can contribute to attracting pollinators
2. A part of certain plants, typically the lower petal, that plays a role in floral morphology
3. Referring to the lip or lip-like structure in various species of orchids or other flowering plants which aids in reproduction

Etymology: "Labella" is the plural of "labellum", a botanical term for the lower petal of an orchid flower, often the showiest part, which acts as a landing platform for pollinating insects. The word comes from Latin "labellum", meaning "small lip", a diminutive of "labrum", "lip". The same Latin root gives English "labial", the adjective for lips, and the flower's name reflects how its lower petal was seen as resembling a lip.