The genus
Phragmipedium is divided into several sections: • Phragmipedium:
P. caudatum, P. exstaminodium, P. lindenii • Himantopetalum:
P. caricinum, P. christiansenianum, P. pearcei, P. klotzscheanum, P. richteri, P. tetzlaffianum • Platypetalum:
P. lindleyanum • Lorifolia:
P. boissierianum, P. hirtzii, P. longifolium, P. vittatum • Micropetalum:
P. besseae, P. besseae var. dalessandroi, P. fischeri, P. schlimii • Schluckebieria:
P. kovachii The exact number of species is still being discussed among specialists: O. Gruss recognizes 20 species, compared to the 15 species accepted by Lucile M. McCook (see References). Most
Phragmipedium species are either
terrestrial,
epiphytic or
lithophytic in habit. They show a unique shieldlike staminode, long, moustache-like petals and a 3-locular ovary. The large pouchlike
lip is curved inwards at the margins. The acute leaves attain a length of about 80 cm. The stem lacks pseudobulbs and grows about high, showing 2 to 3 flowers.
Phragmipedium besseae was first found in Peru by Elizabeth Locke Besse in 1981. Soon afterwards, the site was plundered and destroyed by orchid hunters. Seed was preserved to avert extinction. This orchid is unusual because its flowers have a bright orange-red to almost strong salmon-red color (there is also a yellow variety), unseen in any lady's slipper orchid. The oval-shaped petals are wide. The narrow leaves are elliptic in shape. It has since been used extensively in
hybridization.
Phragmipedium caudatum is considered a complex, i.e. it could contain several species or subspecies, based on differences in flower size and color. This orchid with a short stem is semi-terrestrial, semi-lithophytic to epiphytic, depending on the substrate . The cream-colored flowers are laced with greenish stripes. The lateral spiraling, drooping petals are red-tinted and very long, even reaching the soil. They grow on wet, moss-covered hillsides.
Phragmipedium lindleyanum, named after
John Lindley, forms a rosette of five long linear leaves with a yellow margin, reaching a length of . The erect raceme can grow as high as 1 m. It is many-flowered and sometimes branched at the basis. The flowers open in succession, giving the orchid a long blooming period. The hoary flowers are green with brown veins. The glabrous, pouchlike lip is yellow, with red veins.
Phragmipedium longifolium, described in 1852 by
H.G. Reichenbach f. and J. v. Warscewicz, has long lanceolate leaves without yellow margin, growing to a length of . The inflorescence reaches a length of , with about 10 flowers, opening in succession. The long lateral petals are purplish green. The rather small glabrous labellum has a green color. Allied genera include
Paphiopedilum,
Selenipedium,
Cypripedium and the monotypic
Mexipedium. There are many interspecific
hybrids. Rare crossings have been made between
Phragmipedium and
Paphiopedilum. The genus
Uropedium Lindl. is generally included in
Phragmipedium.
Species The following species ordered by sections are recognized by
Plants of the World Online :
Natural hybrids The following natural hybrids are recognized: == References ==