| English Name | Hong Kong Lady's Slipper Orchid |
|---|---|
| Status in China | Vulnerable (VU) |
Description:
Terrestrial orchids. Leaves 3-8 radical, arranged in two rows, narrowly oblong-elliptic, 2.3-4.2 cm wide, marked with darker-coloured blotches adaxially, pale green abaxially, base attenuate. Scape purple, 12-23 cm long, densely pubescent. Flower solitary, terminal on scape, 7-8 cm in diam.; dorsal sepal ovate-cordate, white with purple veins; lateral sepals ovate-lanceolate, green with darker veins. Petals purple-red or brownish with darker veins, oblong, 3.5-4.5 cm long; lip saccate, purple-brown or brownish, 2-3 cm long, mouth 2-2.6 cm broad.
Distribution:
Hong Kong Island, Tai Mo Shan, Lantau Island, etc. Guangdong (Yangchun, Shenzhen), Guangxi, Yunnan; Vietnam.
Habitat and Ecology:
In forests, on mossy rocks and stony ground with rich humus soil; Alt. 300 m. Flowering: Oct. to Jan. of the following year.
This orchid species is the only Paphiopedilum species native to Hong Kong and has great ornamental value. It was first discovered in Hong Kong Island around 1850. Despite the wide distribution range of the species, individuals are scarce in number. It is threatened by habitat destruction and over collection. In Hong Kong, most localities of its occurrence are in Country Parks, so habitats of the plants are under protection. This species is also protected by the Forestry Regulations (Cap. 96 sub. leg.) and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
References:
Bentham, G. 1861: Flora Hongkongensis 364. Reeves, London.
陳心啟, 1999: 中國植物誌17：69。科學出版社，北京。
陳心啟等，1999: 中國野生蘭科植物彩色圖譜338。科學出版社，北京。
