Paphiopdilum fairrieanum

One of the few cryophilic species with an exceptionally bizarre - shaped flower . Its pale green leaves are only 4-6 in/ 10 -15 cm long ,while the slightly longer flower spike bears only one flower ,2.4 in /6 cm across. The upper sepal has sigmoid edges ;the petals are orianted diagonally down at their bases ,while their tips are turned vertically upward. The tepals are whitish (except the lip ,which is brown -and -red )and embellished with pronounced purple venation . There are various color and size variations of this species ,including a rare albino version (P. fairrieanum var. bohlmanniana). In growing the species ,follow the same instructions as in the case of P. callosum . The flowers appear on the plants between June and September . The species come from Bhutan and Asam.