斯氏拖鞋蘭

Paphiopedilum spicerianum is a terrestrial slipper orchid native to rocky habitats stretching from Assam in India through Bhutan and Myanmar to Yunnan, China. Its dusky green leaves carry fine purple speckles at the base on their undersides, giving the plant a quiet, understated character. It blooms once a year, from autumn into winter, producing a single 6-8cm flower atop a slender stem — elegant rather than flashy, which has earned it a loyal following among orchid enthusiasts. As a perennial, it can be divided and grown on for many years, rewarding patient care with a steadily maturing clump. Because it calls for a bit more experience than beginner orchids, it suits growers who are already comfortable with orchid culture. Every Paphiopedilum species is listed in CITES Appendix I, which makes it an Internationally Endangered Species under Japan's Act on Conservation of Endangered Species (種の保存法). Transferring a plant within Japan, whether by sale or gift, requires a registration certificate under that Act, and this applies to plants propagated in Japan too. When buying, always confirm that the plant comes with its registration certificate.