Leptotes

Lepotes is a genus of orchids formed by nine small species that grow in the dry jungles of South-East Brazil, though also found in Paraguay and Argentina and are situated in mid-elevation subtropical rainforests and coastal mountains.

Some species of Leptotes are widely cultivated and form showy displays when in complete bloom, however, they are not the easiest of orchids to grow.

The majority of the species are not cultivated and some are so rare to be almost unknown; five of the nine species have been described since 2000. Besides being cultivated for their ornamental value, there are records of the flowers and fruits of Leptotes bicolor being used as a substitute for vanilla in milk, ice cream, tea and sweets.