Tiny Flowered Paphiopedilum

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Tiny Flowered Paphiopedilum

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Paphiopedilum micranthum f. glanzeanum
• Paphiopedilum globulosum
• Paphiopedilum micranthum f. kienii
• Paphiopedilum micranthum var. oblatum
• Paphiopedilum micranthum var. eburneum
• Paphiopedilum micranthum var. alboflavum
• Paphiopedilum micranthum f. alboflavum
• Paphiopedilum micranthum subsp. eburneum
• Paphiopedilum micranthum var. glanzeanum
• Paphiopedilum micranthum f. singchianum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is a member of the Orchidaceae family. Specifically, it is classified under the genus Paphiopedilum as the species Paphiopedilum micranthum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range across several key regions in Asia. In China, its habitat extends through the South-Central provinces. It is also documented within the Southeast regions of China. Beyond Chinese borders, the species can be found throughout Indo-China. Specifically, its distribution includes the country of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Paphiopedilum micranthum is characterized by its classification as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, allowing it to persist through seasonal environmental fluctuations. Within this growth strategy, it functions both as a nanophanerophyte and a chamaephyte, maintaining a relatively low stature while utilizing its perennial nature to thrive in specific ecological niches. As a hemicryptophyte, the plant manages its energy reserves through underground or surface-level structures, which facilitates its survival and eventual regrowth in its natural habitat. This life history pattern ensures stability and continuity, enabling the species to navigate the complexities of its ecosystem through a robust, perennial growth cycle.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Paphiopedilum micranthum is characterized by a growth habit that is strictly self-supporting, functioning as a non-climbing organism rather than an obligatory or facultative climber. It exists as an independent species, showing no parasitic tendencies and maintaining a completely independent nutritional status. Unlike many other orchid species that may exhibit epiphytic tendencies, this plant is classified as terrestrial, growing in the ground substrate. Furthermore, its structural composition is distinctly non-woody, lacking any woody tissue in its stems or vegetative parts.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Paphiopedilum micranthum 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)