Representing one of the many conundrum of Paphiopedilum taxonomy, this orchid is officially known as Paphiopedilum gratrixianum or Paphiopedilum gratrixianum var. christensonianum. In 2018, however, Harold Koopowitz proposed the separation of this variety into its own species, Paphiopedilum christensonianum.
In my experience, the more compact variety of Paphiopedilum gratrixianum in these photographs is much less common in cultivation than the “large-leafed” variety. This species is commonly grown in our area, and only the larger variety has regularly appeared at orchid society events.
We grow Paphiopedilum gratrixianum (christensonianum) with our lower light, mottled leafed Paphiopedilum and is an easy growing species. Paphiopedilum gratrixianum is native to Laos and Vietnam.
If you have more experience with identification of the many varieties of Paphiopedilum gratrixianum, please feel free to contact me with your input on the identification of this particular orchid.
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