The flower description is more true for lillies, or which orchids are probably
closely related. Although orchids have the 3 petals and sepals "symmetry"
they usually look completely different, the "lip" being one common change.
The sexual sections of the flower are always combined to form the "column" in
orchids, as opposed to the separate ones in lillies.
>Ah yes, I do believe this may be a ladies slipper species. It's
Although it does sound a lot like a "slipper" orchid, the other possibility
that comes to mind is a Phaelopsis (spel?) or "Moth" orchid. These have
similar leaves to the slippers, being large, fleshy, wide strap-like items
without the pseudobulbs of other orchids. These have more "attractive"
(as opposed to unusual, weird, etc.) flowers than the slippers, with their
lip being rather open, and the colors are usually uniform purples, white, etc.
instead of the normally heavily veined flowers of the slippers. (I think
slippers are more interesting than the moths, though).
The roots you mention are quite common on these epithytical orchids - given
time they will grow out of the pot and attach themselves to any other wood,
soil, etc. around (be warned!), so keep them away from other pots, etc. Once
the roots stick to something porous, they won't let go without damage...