''Paphiopedilum canhii'' is an Asian species of
slipper orchid
Cypripedioideae is a subfamily of orchids commonly known as lady's slipper orchids, lady slipper orchids or slipper orchids. Cypripedioideae includes the genera ''Cypripedium, Mexipedium, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium'' and ''Selenipedium''. They ...
and the
type species of the subgenus ''
Paphiopedilum subg. Megastaminodium
''Paphiopedilum'' subgenus ''Megastaminodium'' is a subgenus of the orchid genus '' Paphiopedilum''. It was erected to accommodate the single species '' Paphiopedilum canhii'' due to its distinct characteristics that made it unfit for the other ...
''. It is named after Mr. Canh Chu Xuan, the Service Officer who received the plants in November 2009 from the H'Mong (Meo) people.
The plants were brought into his office of "Civilian Governmental Service for Care of Natural Resources and Connections with Local Minorities" for further study and description, after several months in the nursery the plant flowered in April 2010. Its unusual characteristics had been recorded a year before in local markets by orchid growers in Dien Bien and Son La cities.
Description
Distribution
''Paphiopedilum canhii'' is endemic to Vietnam and is known only from one locality along the border with Laos PDR in Dien Bien Phu province. It grows between 600m and 800m
asl
American Sign Language (ASL) is a natural language that serves as the predominant sign language of Deaf communities in the United States of America and most of Anglophone Canada. ASL is a complete and organized visual language that is express ...
Habitat
Conservation status
''Paphiopedilum canhii'' is critically endangered in the wild, mainly due to poaching and habitat destruction. The region where the species occurs is a distinct and significant center of Paphiopedilum speciation and diversity.
As a result, the area has been a priority not only for botanical exploration but also for ruthless collection for horticultural purposes.
In 2015, the range for this species was estimated at 4 km
2 with less than 10 mature individuals remaining in the wild.
References
External links
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canhii
Orchids of Vietnam
Orchids of Laos
{{Cypripedioideae-stub