Paphiopedilum teres

Perhaps the best -known orchid not only within the genus Paphiopedilum but also the genus Vanda in which this species used to be included . Who could forget about the butterfly -like (hence the name of the genus) , 4 -in - 10 cm or smaller flowers sparsely distributed on inflorescesces bearing 2-5 flowers ! The tepals are pink- and -white , the ''chopped of '' three -lobed lip is purple with yellow venation . This usually epiphytic or lithophilic plant thrives even in seemingly uninhabitable places , such as the sun -drenched rocks on the Andaman Sea coast . It follows that the species has requirements . In the plant's natural habitat in Laos ,Burma, Thailand and Himalayan foothills , the flowers appear between March and June . Paphiopedilum teres.