The labellum indument resembles, although superficially, that of the hairy areas of an insect tegument. |
These encounters can be quite violent and frequently result in the labellum being torn from the flower. |
The labellum is fixed or, as in most cases, hinged and articulated at the base of the column. |
For example, the weakly zygomorphic flower is scarlet, shows diurnal anthesis and has a backwardly curved labellum. |
The labellum is broad and obtuse, except for the yellow base, which stands erect and half-encloses the column. |
Finally, nectar collects in the saccate nectary spur formed by the fusion of the margins of the labellum and the base of the column-foot. |