Paphiopedilum

Finding

SITF confirms this plant as Paphiopedilum rothschildianum (May 2024). This plant was entered as a primary hybrid of Paph. rothschildianum, however, the judging team believed it might be a straight Paph. rothschildianum. SITF concurs based on the numerous white cilia on the surface of the staminode which mimics aphids that attract predator wasps, its primary pollinators. This is a recessive trait and a key characteristic of Paph. rothschildianum. Measurements of the flowers also agree better than as a hybrid. A primary hybrid with P. gardineri would reduce the overall stature of the flower and plant.

Flower Natural Spread Length: 12.5

Flower Natural Spread Width: 30.0

Dorsal Sepal Length: 7.0

Dorsal Sepal Width: 5.5

Lateral Sepals Length: 6.0

Lateral Sepals Width: 5.0

Petals Width: 1.5

Judging Center: FNCJC

Award Number: 20241322

Award Date: April 05, 2024

Awarded As: AM

This was entered as a primary hybrid of Paph. rothschildianum, but the judging team felt that it was a straight Paph. rothschildianum due to the copious amount of cilia on the staminode and the overall form of the flowers.

Description:
Four impressive, well-spaced flowers on a single, elegantly presented, supported, 80-cm inflorescence; sepals cordate, chartreuse basally, thickly striped darkest maroon, dorsal sepal random stripes nearly coalesced; petals horizontal, hirsute at basal margins, chartreuse basally, stippled oxblood throughout; pouch maroon, touched chartreuse at basal tip; staminode angled, margins completely covered in fine white cilia, lower two flowers slightly skewed; substance firm; texture glossy.
labeled as gardneri x rothschildianum, sending to SITF for confirmation that this is actually a straight rothschildianum.

See more Paphiopedilum SITF listings
Learn more about the Paphiopedilum genus