Tropical Plant Database - Plant Details
Paphiopedilum sanderianum
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Conservation Status
- IUCN: critically endangered
- USFWS: None
Family: ORCHIDACEAE
Genus: Paphiopedilum
Species: sanderianum
Species Author: (Reichb. f.) Stein.
Vernacular: Lady Slipper Orchid
Genus: Paphiopedilum
Species: sanderianum
Species Author: (Reichb. f.) Stein.
Vernacular: Lady Slipper Orchid
First discovered in 1885 in the steaming jungles of Borneo, Paphiopedilum sanderianum is considered one of the most startlingly spectacular orchids ever found. Its pendulous petals can be over a metre long and are thought to attract pollinators. Despite its extreme desirability the plant was not seen again until 1978 - almost a century later - by which time its very existence was in question.
The shy beauties were rediscovered in Sarawak, Borneo, by Ivan Nielson. They are now protected within the boundaries of a National Park. For a long time their location was a closely guarded secret!
Cite: KEW Botanical Garden
The shy beauties were rediscovered in Sarawak, Borneo, by Ivan Nielson. They are now protected within the boundaries of a National Park. For a long time their location was a closely guarded secret!
Cite: KEW Botanical Garden
- 040619 - collected by David H. Lorence in 2004
We currently have 1 herbarium specimens for Paphiopedilum sanderianum in our collection. Click on any specimen below to view the herbarium sheet data.
