Cypripedioideae
(flower)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lady's slipper orchids (also known as lady slipper orchids or slipper
orchids) are orchids in the subfamily Cypripedioideae, which includes the genera Cypripedium, Mexipedium, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium and Selenipedium.[1]
They are characterised by the slipper-shaped pouches
(modified labellums) of the flowers – the pouch traps insects so they are forced to climb up
past the staminode, behind which they collect or deposit pollinia,
thus fertilizing the flower. Unlike other orchids, Cypripedioideae have two
fertile anthers
— they are "diandrous".
This subfamily has been considered
by some to be a family Cypripediaceae, separate from the Orchidaceae.[2]
The Cypripedium genus is
found across much of North America, as well as in parts of Europe and Asia. The state flower of Minnesota
is the Showy Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium reginae). The Lady's Slipper is also the official provincial flower
of the Canadian
province of Prince Edward Island.
Paphiopedilums are found in the tropical forests of southeast Asia
reaching as far north as southern China. Paphiopedilum is quite easy
to cultivate and therefore is popular among orchid enthusiasts. In fact,
overcollecting of this genus has been so extensive that many species are now
sub-viable in their natural habitats.
Phragmipedium, found across northern South and Central America, is also
easy to cultivate as it requires lower temperatures
than Paphiopedilum, eliminating the need for a greenhouse
in many areas.
The lady's slipper is also known in
the United States of America as the moccasin
flower, from its resemblance to a
moccasin.
The entire wiki link (with many
images) can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypripedioideae
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