Extent

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Female Orchid Classification System

This section goes in depth into the features, descriptions and varieties of the labia minora as this orchid feature has the most variability amongst all orchids.

Labia Extent

The labia extent describes how the labia extend from the glans stems to either completely or partially surround the vagina. The varieties or sub-types are continuous, open-ended, segmented or partial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first example above introduces a new feature designated as stirrup that is illustrated in its own Description section. In the last two examples above, the partial designation is due to no labia lesser, which is discussed in more detail under the Labia Profile section discussed later as well.

Labia extent also applies to bifurcated orchids, although more difficult to designate, the principle is the same. The difficulty is that the bifurcated sheath (ridgeforms) on the buccal sides transition into labia. The glans stems on the lingual side may play a minor role in transitioning into the labia. However, the rule holds that the labia extend from the glans stems to either completely or partially surround the vagina. In bifurcated orchids, the bifurcated ridgeforms may take the place of labia in some instances. A few bifurcated orchid examples below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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