Paphiopedilum thaianum
| Paphiopedilum thaianum | |
|---|---|
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| Flower of Paphiopedilum thaianum | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cypripedioideae |
| Genus: | Paphiopedilum |
| Species: | P. thaianum
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| Binomial name | |
| Paphiopedilum thaianum Iamwiriyakul, 2006
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Paphiopedilum thaianum, or the Thai paphiopedium, is a species of slipper orchid endemic to peninsular Thailand.[2] The orchid species is found in primary forest shade, on the slopes of steep limestone hillsides and cliffs.[3][4] It is found at an elevation of 350–450 meters above sea level.[5]
Taxonomy
It was initially described by Prapanth Iamwiriyakul in 2006.[5] However, P. thaianum is considered as very similar to P. niveum, with the key difference being the flower of P. thaianum is significantly smaller than P. niveum.[6] As such, it is still uncertain whether P. thaianum should be considered as a standalone Paphiopedilum species or a variety of P. niveum, as long understood by local enthusiasts before Iamwiriyakul's description.[7][4] Another proposition of P. thaianum's differentiation is its distinct fragrant smell.[7]
Description
Its leaves are 3–10 centimetres (1.2–3.9 in) in length and 1–3 centimetres (0.39–1.18 in) wide, with its upper surface being mottled dark and pale green in colour, while its lower surface is spotted with purple. Its purple, shortly white-pubescent inflorescence, being 6–17 centimetres (2.4–6.7 in) in height, consists of a single white flower (two flowers in rare cases) 3–5 centimetres (1.2–2.0 in) wide, having a staminode with green to yellow-green centers, with peak flowering in April and May.[4] It grows under shrubs on limestone slopes in wet tropical biomes, with 2 centimetres (0.79 in) of humus as medium.[4]
A 2012 study determined the main pollinator of P. thaianum as Lasioglossum orchidodeceptum, which notably differed from P. niveum being pollinated by Tetragonula testaceitarsis due to the differing flower sizes.[7]
Distribution
P. thaianum is distributed within the Phang Nga region of southern Thai, within altitudes of 350–450 metres (1,150–1,480 ft) and a mean temperature of 22–25 °C (72–77 °F).[4]
References
- ^ Rankou, H.. (2015) Paphiopedilum thaianum IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 3 July 2016. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is critically endangered..
- ^ "Paphiopedilum thaianum Iamwir". Plants of the World Online.
- ^ "Orchid Species: Paphiopedilum thaianum". www.orchids.org.
- ^ a b c d e Manza, Stephen (2 December 2006). "Paphiopedilum thaianum". slipperorchids.info. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ^ a b Iamwiriyakul, P. (2006). "Paphiopedilum thaianum, A new species of Paphiopedilum from Thailand". The Orchid Review. 114 (1271): 278–281.
- ^ "Paphiopedilum thaianum Iamwiriyakul". World of Paphiopedilum. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ^ a b c Bänziger, Hans; Pumikong, Supalak; Srimuang, Kanok-orn (2012). "The missing link: Bee pollination in wild lady slipper orchids Paphiopedilum thaianum and P. niveum (Orchidaceae) in Thailand" (PDF). Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Entomologischen Gesellschaft (85): 1–26.