Paphiopedilum tranlienianum

A dernier cri in the world of Venus 's shoes ,that was not discovered untill the end of the 2nd millennium . The plant was described in Germany under the name presented here, while in Vietnam it was ascribed the name P. caobangense. It goes without saying that the validity of the names is a subject of disputes ... P. tranlieianum is closely related to P. barbigerum . A specimen in bloom will attract attention mainly by the proportional contrast between the 2-2.8 in/5-7 -cm across,beautiful flower on a short spike on the one hand ,and the 4-6 in/10-15 -cm -large rosette of fully green , narrow leaves . This orchid grows on little limestone rocks and must be provided with the same environment in culture . However ,this rare Venus's shoe is still completely out of an ordinary mortal's reach . We can only hope that it will be possible to admire its flowers opening in the spring in the species 's northern Vietnam habitat even in the future .