Lady Slipper

Pointed Toe Lady Slipper
Pointed Toe Lady Slipper

Today’s Flower a Day share is a real mouthful if you try to say the whole name(s) – Paphiopedilum acmodontum, pointed toe paphiopedilum or Pointed Toe Lady Slipper. Phew! Now that’s out of the way, we can get on, call it a slipper orchid and enjoy what an unusual and beautiful design it has. This was the flower that they called to invite me to photograph in the local clinic and I’m so glad that they did. It is probably the most unusual of the flowers in this collection, being an exotic variety that certainly won’t be found growing outdoors here, not even in the heat of the summer. A bit of research tells me that its native habitat is the jungles of the far East, including Indonesia. We are a long way from that environment, so I am really delighted that they have cared for this plant in the clinic and brought it to flower to share with you all today. So with this bit of exotica, I send the hope that your week has a few such rare moments of surprise as I had in seeing and capturing this for us all.

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4 Responses

  1. I am delighted too, Ellie, to gaze upon this exquisite flower – a lady’s slipper fit for a princess. Certainly an exotic plant and perhaps native to the jungle, as you say, but we have our own lady’s slippers that grow here in the cold north, but of course, not in the cold. They are hardy to our climate and can be found deep in the woods where fungus grows as they need the nutrients from the fungus to get established (which takes a long time). Because they take so long to take root and grow, they are illegal to pick in Nova Scotia. However, it certainly costs nothing to admire them should you happen upon them and they look very much like this fine example. In addition, without nectar, they rely upon a fragrance to lure pollinators into their slipper pouch who on their way out climb past the staminode pollinating the flower on their way out. In nature, beauty has its own merits and appreciation. Thank you, Ellie.

    1. I will certainly keep my eyes out for our native version of this plant so thank you for all that fascinating information. I wouldn’t dream of picking them, even if it weren’t illegal. They are much more beautiful in their natural habitat than for a short time in a house.
      Thanks again!

  2. I just love it Ellie. It is amazing the designs the colours and everything. In that one particular flower there’s so many things to catch your eye with so thanks again for sharing.

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