Slipper orchid

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Beard Carrying Paphiopedilum
• Xiao Ye Dou Lan

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Paphiopedilum insigne var. barbigerum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Orchidaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified by the genus Paphiopedilum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across parts of East and Southeast Asia. Within China, it can be found inhabiting the South-Central and Southeast regions. Its range extends further into the Indo-China peninsula, where it is documented in Laos. Additionally, the species is known to grow within the borders of Thailand. Finally, its natural habitat includes various locations throughout Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Paphiopedilum barbigerum is characterized by its classification as a hemicryptophyte, a growth form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or substrate. Within the diverse spectrum of botanical life forms, including phanerophytes, chamaephytes, and therophytes, this species occupies a specific ecological niche as a hemicryptophyte, ensuring its survival through seasonal variations. As a perennial orchid, its life cycle involves a slow developmental process, starting from microscopic seeds that require specific fungal symbionts for germination, eventually establishing a robust vegetative structure. The plant maintains its vitality through underground structures that facilitate nutrient storage and resilience, allowing it to persist in its natural habitat across multiple growing seasons.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Paphiopedilum barbigerum is characterized by its growth habit as a self-supporting plant, functioning as an independent organism without the need for climbing structures. It is classified as a terrestrial species, growing directly in the substrate rather than adhering to other structures as an epiphyte. As an independent entity, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, relying instead on its own root system to derive nutrients and moisture from the ground.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Paphiopedilum barbigerum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)