Oxford English and Spanish Dictionary, Synonyms, and Spanish to English Translator

Home UK English masdevallia

Meaning of masdevallia in English:

masdevallia

Pronunciation /mazdɪˈvalɪə/

noun

Botany

Any of numerous small epiphytic orchids of the genus Masdevallia, native to cool mountainous regions of South America and cultivated elsewhere as ornamentals. Also (in form Masdevallia): the genus itself.

Origin

Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Curtis's Botanical Magazine. From scientific Latin Masdevallia from the name of Jose Masdevall (d. 1801), Spanish physician and botanist + -ia.