Paphiopedilum armeniacum is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is known commonly as the apricot orange paphiopedilum[1] and golden slipper orchid.[2] It is endemic to China, where it occurs only in Yunnan.[1] It is also cultivated and has won prestigious awards at flower shows.[3]
| Paphiopedilum armeniacum | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cypripedioideae |
| Genus: | Paphiopedilum |
| Species: | P. armeniacum
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| Binomial name | |
| Paphiopedilum armeniacum | |
| Synonyms | |
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This plant grows in soil or on rocks, spreading via creeping stolons. It produces 5 to 7 leathery purple-spotted green leaves each up to 12 centimeters long. There is usually one flower atop the hairy, purple-green scape, but occasionally a second flower is produced. The flower is up to 9 centimeters wide. It is yellow in color, streaked and spotted with maroon.[4]
In the wild this species grows on limestone substrates in rocky, brushy habitat. Its range is mainly limited to the Nu Jiang River Valley.[1][4] The population is fragmented and the species is in decline due to habitat destruction. The valuable plant is also poached for use in the horticultural trade.[1]
References
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- ^ a b c d e Rankou, H. & Averyanov, L. 2015. Paphiopedilum armeniacum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015. Downloaded on 12 September 2015.
- ^ Paphiopedilum armeniacum. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.
- ^ Liu, Z., et al. (2006). Conservation ecology of endangered species Paphiopedilum armeniacum (Orchidaceae). Acta Ecologica Sinica, 26(9), 2791-99.
- ^ a b Paphiopedilum armeniacum. Flora of China.