Labella

Labella is a term used in biology and language to refer to multiple related concepts, depending on context. In taxonomy and anatomy, labella (the plural of labellum) describes small lip-like structures. The labellum itself is a specialized, often petal-like structure found in various organisms. In orchids, the labellum is the distinctive petal that forms the flower’s lip and commonly serves to attract and guide pollinators. In entomology and other branches of zoology, a labellum can refer to a lip-like part of mouthparts or other structures that resemble a lip.

In orchids, the labellum is typically highly modified in shape, color, and texture to facilitate pollination, acting as a landing surface for insects. The concept of labella as multiple such structures arises when describing more than one lip-like feature within a single organism or across related species. The term’s use is primarily technical and found in scientific descriptions, floras, and taxonomic literature.

In cultural and commercial usage, La Bella (or LaBella) is an Italian phrase meaning “the beautiful one” and appears in various proper names, brands, and surnames. The best-known modern use in music-related products is LaBella Strings, a manufacturer of guitar strings and related accessories, recognized by players for a range of electric, acoustic, and nylon-string sets. The term labella thus spans scientific terminology and everyday branding, depending on its capitalization and context.