Annnddd... Tbelymitra

[Leafmite]

Such a pretty flower! Orchids are amazing in that there is so much variety.

[LexaCat]

Wow, that's gorgeous! I'm puzzled by the structure of the flower, though. It seems to violate the "rule" of 3 sepals, two petals and a lip. Granted, there is no such thing as a hard and fast rule where evolution is concerned, but I'm wondering if you know more about this.

[Louis_W]

Originally Posted by LexaCat

Wow, that's gorgeous! I'm puzzled by the structure of the flower, though. It seems to violate the "rule" of 3 sepals, two petals and a lip. Granted, there is no such thing as a hard and fast rule where evolution is concerned, but I'm wondering if you know more about this.

It still has the same components but has lost the unique orchid labellum in order to imitate a simpler flower. Orchids use deception a lot, usually to get out of having to produce nectar.