Paphipedilum appletonianum

Representatives of this vast Asian genus that is also ''super important'' for cultivation are nicknamed ''Venus's shoes''- for their lip is typically shaped like a shoe. Its edge , incontrast to the closely related orchids of an American genus Phragmipedium ,is not notched . P. appletonianum is a quite rare and large collection item . It has a sessile leaf rosette (same as other Paphiopedila) with belt -shaped ,marbled leaves posessing rounded ends .The flowers are up to 4 in / 10 cm across and are borne singly on a thin spike to heights of 20 in /50 cm . They are green and purple with protruding petals that are somewhat broadened on the ends . Grow this species as you would othe r Paphiopedilum orchids. It blooms in early spring and comes from Asam .