It's a trick question, I suppose. If the distinction between the two groups
is actually made at the family level as the names suggests then all genera
and species in the Cyp group are outside the Orchid family, taxonomically
speaking. Are there any other orchids that are not inside the orchidaceae?
;-)

So there is something behind that old joke, often heard at orchid society
meetings: "Ladyslippers are not real orchids." I thought it was just to get
a rise out of the slipper crowd.

Is this like asking if Doritis and Phalaenopsis are two separate genus or
part of the same one, except asking it of "families" two or three flights
above the genus level?

What's the difference between orchids and ladyslippers other than those
insignificant differences in the flower parts and reproductive organs? :-)

Is this a currently accepted classification? Do the taxonomically gifted
place the cyps in a subfamily status and is that suffix "aceae" used to
denote other than family level divisions?

Have I lost my mind? ...wait. Don't answer that one.

Al

"Ray" wrote in message
...
You're just stirring up debate, aren't you, Al?

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!
.
"Al" wrote in message
...
Are ladyslippers in the orchid family?