Description:
The name 'Paphiopedilum' is derived from the Ancient Greek word 'paphia' meaning 'thorn' and 'pedilum' meaning 'foot', combined to form 'thorn foot'. The genus name 'Paphiopedilum' was first formally published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. The specific epithet 'occidentale' is Latin for 'western'. The Paphiopedilum genus is composed of about 100 species of plants, with a distribution throughout the tropics and subtropics. The majority of these species are found in the Western Hemisphere, with a few in Asia. The plants in the Paphiopedilum genus are usually small, with a few reaching up to 2 feet in height. Many of the species in the Paphiopedilum genus are fragrant, with some possessing a strong, unpleasant odor. The Paphiopedilum genus is known for its small, fragrant flowers that are often found in clusters on long stem plants. Many of the species in the Paphiopedilum genus are used in the cultivation of orchid flowers. The flowers of many of the species in the Paphiopedilum genus are brightly colored, with a wide range of colors available. Many of the species in the Paphiopedilum genus are also known for their long life span, with some reaching up to 50 years in age.
