Genus Paphiopedilum; The (Orchidaceae)

Paphiopedilums hold a special place in the affections of orchid lovers. For the grower they exhibit several readily appreciated virtues: they are exotic to look at; they produce large flowers on small plants; there are almost 70 known species all of which might be grown in a relatively small greenhouse; many species are rare in the wild and consequently have acquired investment value; and, finally, despite 175 years of searching, new species are still being discovered. It is therefore scarcely surprising that they are, and have been since the early nineteenth century, one of the most popular of all orchid groups and are now widely grown throughout the world. Their biology, classification and evolution are endlessly fascinating. The slipper orchids, of which Paphiopedilum is the largest genus, represent a small but remarkable offshoot of the main line of orchid evolution. The I I years since the publication of the first edition of ‘The Genus Paphiopedilum’, has been an exciting period in which several new species have been discovered and our understanding of the evolution and classification of the genus has been greatly enhanced, particularly because of the use of molecular techniques and analyses aimed at clarifying phylogenetic relationships. In this revised account, the author has synthesised the recent evidence to produce a classification of the genus that is first and foremost usable, and also consistent with the evidence available. Chapters on the hybridisation, cultivation (by Michael Tibbs), and conservation are also included. New discoveries and the ever developing techniques of genome analysis, for example, will undoubtedly refine our appreciation of variation and relationships in the genus. Hopefully, this treatment will provide a framework for such studies in the future and provide a sound guide to growers of this endlessly fascinating group.