gynandra

Gynandra is a genus of plants in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. The genus was first described by botanist Carl Ludwig von Willdenow in 1805. Plants in the genus Gynandra are characterized by their terrestrial habit, meaning they grow in the ground rather than on trees. They typically possess fleshy roots and produce a single, terminal flower spike. The flowers themselves are usually small and inconspicuous, with a structure common to many orchids, featuring three sepals and three petals, one of which is modified into a lip.

The distribution of Gynandra species is primarily in South America, with some species found in Central America. They are often found in moist, shaded environments such as forests and woodlands. The exact number of species within the genus can vary depending on taxonomic interpretation, but it is generally considered to be a relatively small genus. The name Gynandra is derived from Greek words meaning "woman" and "man," possibly referring to the fusion of certain floral parts. Research into Gynandra species continues to contribute to our understanding of orchid diversity and evolution within the Neotropics.