Paphiopedilum armeniacum is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is known commonly as the apricot orange paphiopedilumRankou, H. & Averyanov, L. 2015. Paphiopedilum armeniacum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015. Downloaded on 12 September 2015. and golden slipper orchid.Paphiopedilum armeniacum. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. It is endemic to China, where it occurs only in Yunnan. It is also cultivated and has won prestigious awards at flower shows.Liu, Z., et al. (2006). Conservation ecology of endangered species Paphiopedilum armeniacum (Orchidaceae). Acta Ecologica Sinica, 26(9), 2791-99.
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.Paphiopedilum armeniacum. Flora of China.
In the wild this species grows on limestone substrates in rocky, brushy habitat. Its range is mainly limited to the Nu Jiang River Valley. 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.
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