Apricot Slipper (Paphiopedilum armeniacum)
Cypripedioideae Paphiopedilum Apricot Slipper Paphiopedilum armeniacum (1982) Botanical Description Famous for its pure, bright apricot-yellow color, which was rare in slippers until its discovery. It spreads via underground runners (stolons), unlike the clump-forming habit of most slippers. Hardiness & Conservation Fragile / Rare Status: Endangered • Regulation: Appendix I Scientific Classification Subfamily Cypripedioideae Tribe Cypripedieae […]
Egg-in-a-Nest Orchid (Paphiopedilum bellatulum)
Cypripedioideae Paphiopedilum Egg-in-a-Nest Orchid Paphiopedilum bellatulum (1888) Botanical Description A brachypetalum-type slipper with very round, heavily spotted white-to-cream flowers. The leaves are also beautifully mottled, making it attractive even when not in bloom. Hardiness & Conservation Fragile / Rare Status: Endangered • Regulation: Appendix I Scientific Classification Subfamily Cypripedioideae Tribe Cypripedieae Subtribe Paphiopedilinae Genus Paphiopedilum […]
Mandarin Orchid, Long-Petaled Slipper (Phragmipedium caudatum)
Cypripedioideae Phragmipedium Mandarin Orchid, Long-Petaled Slipper Phragmipedium caudatum (1837) Botanical Description Known for having the longest petals of any orchid, which can grow up to 3 feet long in a matter of days. These “trailing” petals serve as ladders for crawling insects to reach the pouch. Hardiness & Conservation Hardy Species Status: Least Concern • […]
Pink Lady’s Slipper, Moccasin Flower (Cypripedium acaule)
Cypripedioideae Cypripedium Pink Lady’s Slipper, Moccasin Flower Cypripedium acaule (1789) Botanical Description A hardy, temperate orchid found in forest floors. It is unique for its “fissured” pouch that is split down the middle. It requires a symbiotic fungus in the soil to survive, making it nearly impossible to transplant. Hardiness & Conservation Hardy Species Status: […]
Peacock Slipper (Paphiopedilum venustum)
Cypripedioideae Paphiopedilum Peacock Slipper Paphiopedilum venustum (1820) Botanical Description Noted for its incredibly bizarre and colorful pouch that features green “veins” resembling a human lung. It has some of the most strikingly mottled foliage in the entire subfamily. Hardiness & Conservation Fragile / Rare Status: Endangered • Regulation: Appendix I Scientific Classification Subfamily Cypripedioideae Tribe […]