Paphiopedilum bellatulum

This species belongs in a systemically unclear Venus's shoe section termed Brachypetalum . The plants are highly variable as far as the details of the shape and color of their flower parts are concerned ,which makes it practically impossible to determine what speceis ,sub species or even hybrids some discovered specimens happen to be. The photo presents ,besides a typical specimen , also P. conco-bellatum - a natural hybrid with the species p. concolor . The flower spike of P. conco-bellatulum is not longer than 1.6 -4 in/ 4-10 cm ,while its leaves reach lengths of 6 in / 15 cm . Its white ,purple -spotted flowers ,make the plant a true gem of any orchid collection ;unfortunately ,its cultivation demands are quite high . In the wild ,the sparse leaf rosettes of the species grow in the cracks of limestone rocks in the warmest windy locations . The plants therefore need a maximum possible amount of diffused light ,occationaly a somewhat dry break ,exquisite ventilation and a little lime stone grit added to the substrate . P. bellatulum flowers in the spring and comes from Burma and Thailand.