Paphiopedilum barbigerum

Paphiopedilum barbigerum
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Cypripedioideae
Genus:	Paphiopedilum
Species:	P. barbigerum
Binomial name
Paphiopedilum barbigerum T.Tang & F.T.Wang
Synonyms
Paphiopedilum insigne var. barbigerum (T.Tang & F.T.Wang) Braem

Paphiopedilum barbigerum is a species of flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae known commonly as the beard carrying paphiopedilum. It is native to China, Vietnam, and Thailand. It is an endangered species due to habitat destruction and overcollection for the horticultural trade.^[1]

This orchid grows in soil, on rocks, or on tree trunks in limestone habitat types. It produces 4 to 6 linear green leaves up to 19 centimeters long. It blooms in a single flower on a hairy brownish stalk. The flower is up to 8 centimeters wide. The dorsal sepal is white with a greenish or brownish spot at the base. The synsepal is pale green and the petals are brownish with pale edges. The staminode is yellow.^[2]

This species is pollinated by hoverflies, in particular Allograpta javana and Episyrphus balteatus.^[3]

Sources

1. Rankou, H. & Averyanov, L. 2015. Paphiopedilum barbigerum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015. Downloaded on 12 September 2015.
2. Paphiopedilum barbigerum. Flora of China.
3. Shi, J., et al. (2009). Pollination by deceit in Paphiopedilum barbigerum (Orchidaceae): a staminode exploits the innate colour preferences of hoverflies (Syrphidae). Plant Biology, 11(1), 17-28.