Paphiopedilum rothschildianum

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Paphiopedilum rothschildianum
Paphiopedilum rothschildianum (25834537567).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Cypripedioideae
Genus: Paphiopedilum
Species:
P. rothschildianum
Binomial name
Paphiopedilum rothschildianum
(Rchb.f.) Stein 1888
Synonyms

Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, commonly known as the Gold of Kinabalu orchid or Rothschild's slipper orchid, is a large, clear-leafed species of orchid. It blooms with a tall inflorescence of up to six large flowers. It is unique to the Corypetalum group for holding its petals almost horizontally, giving the flower a distinctive appearance. The peak flowering period of this plant is from April to May.[ citation needed ]

Origin and Preservation

Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is endemic to Mount Kinabalu on Borneo Island, which is a part of the Malaysian state of Sabah. Paphiopedilum rothschildianum has been known as "The King of Orchids", as it is one of the most sought-after and rarest species of orchid in the world. [2]

It was first described in the 19th century by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach which caused a flurry in those who were seeking to obtain it at any cost. [2] After its discovery, the location was kept a secret by the company Sander & Sons, to purposefully misguide those seeking to find it. It was published that Paphiopedilum rothschildianum was located in New Guinea instead of Mount Kinabalu, where it had actually originated. [3] Due to this misinformation regarding its habitat, the orchid was thought to be extinct until the late 1950s. In 1959, two populations of Paphiopedilum rothschildianum were discovered at the base of Mount Kinabalu, drawing the attention of orchid collectors worldwide. [3]

As of today, Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is critically endangered. The number of individuals found in its natural habitat continues to decrease [1] due to the illegal poaching of Paphiopedilum rothschildianum for regional and international trade, [1] which has continued despite the plants occurring in a protected area. [1] The orchid is highly sought after, with prices reaching as high as US$5000 for a single plant. [2] Furthermore, continued exploitation for horticulture, as well as other disturbances such as mining activities, logging, and habitat destruction (by fire in one specific case), have also been to blame for the significant decrease in Paphiopedilum rothschildianum's natural occurrence. [1]

Preservation attempts are currently underway to protect the orchid, and it is hoped that in the future, propagated Paphiopedilum rothschildianum may be reintroduced into its natural habitat. [2] In the meantime, preservation attempts such as fencing the protected areas and securing them more fully have been suggested, alongside more community awareness so that Paphiopedilum rothschildianum may be able to thrive in the future. [4]

Distribution

Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is found in the rainforests around Mount Kinabalu in northern Borneo, at elevations between 500 and 1200 meters above sea level. It commonly grows as a terrestrial in ultramafic soil but is also found growing as a lithophyte in leaf-litter on ultramafic cliffs, usually near a river. Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is part of a large number of orchid species endemic to the island of Borneo (more specifically, Kinabalu Park) due to the ultramafic soils [2] which characterize the area and have led to the evolution of many other endemic plant species. Ultramafic soil occurs when high concentrations of elements such as chromium, cobalt, and nickel are found. Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is not restricted to growing in ultramafic soils, but it does seem to account for its success on the island. [2]

Reproduction

The flower has a green and red spotted petal, which attracts parasitic flies through resemblance to the aphids they lay eggs on. As the flies brush against the stigma, they release any previously collected pollen and more is deposited onto their bodies from the anther. [5]

Growth and Characteristics

Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is a terrestrial, or in some cases, lithophytic species that grows in warm to cool environments. It is rather easy to grow, but takes between 4–5 years to flower, a period which can be prolonged if it is grown in shade. In the summer, Paphiopedilum rothschildianum has an optimal temperature range [4] between 28 and 29 °C during the day and 16-17 °C at night. In winter, the optimal temperature range is between 26 and 27 °C and 15-17 °C at night. Significant temperature differences are beneficial to Paphiopedilum rothschildianum; the region of Mount Kinabalu to which it is endemic has noticeable temperature drops and fluctuations which has caused the orchid to become adapted to this habitat type. [4] Additionally, because Paphiopedilum rothschildianum is often found growing near flowing water, usually about 6–12 meters above streams, humidity is also a necessary component when trying to grow it in places outside of its natural habitat.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Kinabalu</span> Highest mountain in Malaysia

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia. With an elevation of 4,095 metres (13,435 ft), it is the third-highest peak of an island on Earth, the 28th highest peak in Southeast Asia, and 20th most prominent mountain in the world. The mountain is located in Ranau district, West Coast Division of Sabah, Malaysia. It is protected as Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cypripedioideae</span> Subfamily of orchids

Cypripedioideae is a subfamily of orchids commonly known as lady's slipper orchids, lady slipper orchids or slipper orchids. Cypripedioideae includes the genera Cypripedium, Mexipedium, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium and Selenipedium. They are characterised by the slipper-shaped pouches 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. There are approximately 165 species in the subfamily.

<i>Paphiopedilum</i> Genus of orchids

Paphiopedilum, often called the Venus slipper, is a genus of the lady slipper orchid subfamily Cypripedioideae of the flowering plant family Orchidaceae. The genus comprises some 80 accepted taxa including several natural hybrids. The genus is native to Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, southern China, New Guinea and the Solomon and Bismarck Islands. The type species of this genus is Paphiopedilum insigne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bornean ferret badger</span> Species of carnivore

The Bornean ferret badger, also known as Everett's ferret badger or the Kinabalu ferret badger, is a small, nocturnal and omnivorous mammal that is endemic to the island of Borneo. It is a member of the family Mustelidae and is one of six species of the genus Melogale. It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to its small distribution range, which includes Kinabalu National Park and Crocker Range National Park.

<i>Nepenthes rajah</i> Species of pitcher plant from Borneo

Nepenthes rajah is a carnivorous pitcher plant species of the family Nepenthaceae. It is endemic to Mount Kinabalu and neighbouring Mount Tambuyukon in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Nepenthes rajah grows exclusively on serpentine substrates, particularly in areas of seeping ground water where the soil is loose and permanently moist. The species has an altitudinal range of 1,500–2,650 metres (4,920–8,690 ft) a.s.l. and is thus considered a highland or sub-alpine plant. Due to its localised distribution, N. rajah is classified as an endangered species by the IUCN and listed on CITES Appendix I.

<i>Nepenthes burbidgeae</i> Species of pitcher plant from Borneo

Nepenthes burbidgeae, also known as the painted pitcher plant or Burbidge's Pitcher-Plant, is a tropical pitcher plant with a patchy distribution around Mount Kinabalu and neighbouring Mount Tambuyukon in Sabah, Borneo.

<i>Nepenthes edwardsiana</i> Species of pitcher plant from Borneo

Nepenthes edwardsiana, or the splendid pitcher-plant, is a carnivorous tropical pitcher plant endemic to Mount Kinabalu and neighbouring Mount Tambuyukon in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. It is considered one of the most spectacular of all Nepenthes, producing some of the largest pitchers and the most highly developed peristome ribs of any species in the genus.

<i>Nepenthes macrovulgaris</i> Tropical pitcher plant endemic to Borneo

Nepenthes macrovulgaris, or the serpentine pitcher-plant, is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to Borneo. It is a lowland plant that typically grows at altitudes ranging from 300 to 1200 m in sub-montane forest clearings and mossy forest. Its range is restricted to ultramafic habitats, including Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambuyukon, the Danum Valley, the Tawai Range, the Meliau Range and Mount Silam, all in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Pitchers grow to around 25 cm high and range in colour from green to brown, with the speckled form being the most common.

<i>Nepenthes macrophylla</i> Species of pitcher plant from Borneo

Nepenthes macrophylla, the large-leaved pitcher-plant, is a tropical pitcher plant known only from a very restrictive elevation on Mount Trusmadi in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

<i>Paphiopedilum armeniacum</i> Species of orchid

Paphiopedilum armeniacum is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is known commonly as the apricot orange paphiopedilum and golden slipper orchid. It is endemic to China, where it occurs only in Yunnan. It is also cultivated and has won prestigious awards at flower shows.

Paphiopedilum ooii is a species of slipper orchid native to Mount Kinabalu on Borneo. It is named after Michael Ooi, a slipper orchid enthusiast from Malaysia. The plant blooms in the spring to early summer with a spike that can reach up to 2 meters and produce up to 17 flowers.

<i>Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum</i> Species of orchid

Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum, common name shiny green leaf paphiopedilum or tropical lady's-slipper, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Paphiopedilum of the family Orchidaceae.

<i>Elaeocarpus inopinatus</i> Species of flowering plant in the family Elaeocarpaceae

Elaeocarpus inopinatus is a species of flowering plant in the Elaeocarpaceae family. It is a tree endemic to Borneo where it is confined to Sabah.

<i>Paphiopedilum fowliei</i> Species of orchid

Paphiopedilum fowliei is a species of plant in the family Orchidaceae. It is endemic to Palawan in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Borneo lowland rain forests</span> Ecoregion in Borneo

The Borneo lowland rain forests is an ecoregion, within the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests biome, of the large island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It supports approximately 15,000 plant species, 380 bird species and several mammal species. The Borneo lowland rain forests is diminishing due to logging, hunting and conversion to commercial land use.

<i>Paphiopedilum sanderianum</i> Species of orchid

Paphiopedilum sanderianum is a rare species of orchid endemic to northwestern Borneo. First discovered in 1885 by F. Sander's collector, J. Foerstermann, the orchid became renowned for the remarkable length of its petals, which can measure over 1 meter long. Although P. sanderianum has been used as a parent in a number of crosses, none of the resulting hybrids have so far matched the extraordinary lengths of this species' petals. However, soon after the turn of the 20th century, this rare orchid was lost to cultivation and thought to be extinct in the wild, until its rediscovery in 1978 by Ivan Nielson. The wild population of Paphiopedilum sanderianum grows protected in Gunung Mulu National Park.

<i>Paphiopedilum sukhakulii</i> Species of orchid

Paphiopedilum sukhakulii is a species of plant in the family Orchidaceae.

<i>Phalaenopsis bellina</i> Species of orchid

Phalaenopsis bellina is an orchid endemic to Borneo. It is one of 75 species of Phalaenopsis and one of the most commonly cultivated species in the genus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Borneo montane rain forests</span> Ecoregion in Borneo

The Borneo montane rain forests is an ecoregion on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It includes montane tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, also known as a cloud forests. The ecoregion is partly in East Malaysia and Indonesia (Kalimantan).

Pterophylla clemensiae, formerly known as Weinmannia clemensiae, is a species of plant in the family Cunoniaceae. It is endemic to Borneo. It is a tree or treelet growing up to 10 metres tall.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Rankou, H. (2015). "Paphiopedilum rothschildianum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2015: e.T43322055A43327969. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T43322055A43327969.en . Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 van der Ent, Antony; van Vugt, Rogier; Wellinga, Simon (2015). "Ecology of Paphiopedilum rothschildianum at the type locality in Kinabalu Park (Sabah, Malaysia)". Biodiversity and Conservation. 24 (7): 1641–1656. Bibcode:2015BiCon..24.1641V. doi: 10.1007/s10531-015-0881-0 . ISSN   0960-3115.
  3. 1 2 Brinkman, Becky. "All Hail Paphiopedilum rothschildianum" . Retrieved 2023-12-09.
  4. 1 2 3 "Paphiopedilum rothschildianum". Napa Valley Orchid Society. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
  5. ↑ "Rothshild's slipper orchid articles - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2023-12-09.

Further reading

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