Paphiopedilum rothschildianum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Cypripedioideae
Genus: Paphiopedilum
Species:
P. rothschildianum
Binomial name
Paphiopedilum rothschildianum
(Rchb.f.) Stein 1888
Synonyms
  • Cypripedium rothschildianum Rchb.f. (basionym)
  • Cordula rothschildiana (Rchb.f.) Rolfe
  • Cypripedium elliottianum O'Brien
  • Cypripedium neoguineense Linden
  • Paphiopedilum elliottianum (O'Brien) Stein
  • Paphiopedilum rothschildianum var. elliottianum (O'Brien) Pfitzer

Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, it is commonly known as the Gold of Kinabalu orchid or Rothschild's slipper orchid, is a large sized clear-leafed species of orchid. It blooms with a tall inflorescence with up to six, large flowers. It is unique in the Corypetalum group by holding its petals almost horizontally, giving the flower a very distinctive appearance. The peak flowering period is from April to May.

Distribution

Paphiopedilum rothschildianum (also called 'Rothschild's slipper orchid', after its discoverer) is found in the rainforests around Mount Kinabalu in northern Borneo, at elevations from 500 to 1200 meters above the sea. It commonly grows as a terrestrial in ultramafic soil but is also found growing as a lithophyte in leaf-litter on ultramafic cliffs, usually near a river. Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is part of a great number of orchid species endemic to the island of Borneo (more specifically, Kinabalu Park) due to the ultramafic soils which characterize the area and have lead to the evolution of many other endemic plant species. Ultramafic soil occurs when high concentrations of elements such as Chromium, Cobalt, and Nickel are found. Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is restricted to growing in ultramafic soils, which is an unusual characteristic that other orchids at Kinabalu Park also display and which account for the large number of endemic species that can be found there.

Reproduction

The flower has a green and red spotted petal, which attracts any parasitic flies that think it is a crowd of the aphids they lay eggs on. As they try to do so, the flies brush against the stigma, releasing any previously collected pollen, and then getting some more from the anther.

Growth and Characteristics

Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is terrestrial, or in some cases, lithophytic species that grows in warm to cool environments. It is rather easy to grow, but it is expected take between 4-5 years in order to flower, which could also be even further prolonged or experience more problems with flowering if it is grown in shade. Paphiopedilum rothschildianum has an optimal temperature range in the summer between 28-29 ° C during the day, and 16-17 ° C during the night. In winter the optimal temperature is between 26-27 ° C and at night 15-17 ° C. Significant temperature differences is something found to be beneficial to Paphiopedilum rothschildianum as the region of Mount Kinabalu where it is endemic to has noticeable temperature drops and fluctuations and so it has become well adapted to such a habitat. Additionally, because Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is often found growing near flowing water, usually about 6-12m above streams, humidity is also a necessary component when trying to grow it in places outside of its natural habitat.

References

  1. ↑ Rankou, H. 2015. Paphiopedilum rothschildianum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T43322055A43327969. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T43322055A43327969.en. Accessed on 03 August 2023.

Further reading

  • Braem, G. J.; Baker, Charles O.; Baker, Margaret L. (1998). The Genus Paphiopedilum: Natural History and Cultivation. Vol. 1. Kissimmee, Florida: Botanical Publishers.
  • Rodrigues, K. F.; Kumar, S. V. (2008). "Isolation and characterization of 24 microsatellite loci in Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, an endangered slipper orchid". Conservation Genetics. 10 (1): 127–30. doi:10.1007/s10592-008-9533-1.
  • Chyuam-Yih, NG; Saleh, NM; Zaman, FQ (2010). "In vitro multiplication of the rare and endangered slipper orchid, Paphiopedilum rothschildianum (Orchidaceae)". African Journal of Biotechnology. 9 (14).
  • Nash, Ned (June 1985). "Paphiopedilum Culture for Beginners — 3" (PDF). American Orchid Society Bulletin. 54 (6). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 2014-11-20.
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