Paph. Snowbird 'Robin' AM/AOS
(Jack Tonkin x Diversion)
The quest for the elusive white complex paphiopedilum began in the early part of the 20th century with the English orchid
gardener F.C. Puddle. It is a line of breeding that has been fraught with difficulty over the years, both in terms of low
fertility and small flower size that lagged far behind those of the other complex paphs. Nevertheless, three-quarters of a
century of hybridization has produced some absolutely stunning white complexes in recent years, although their rarity
still puts them well beyond the grasp of the average paph grower.
Paph. Snowbird 'Robin' is one of the "oldies-but-goodies" in white complex paphs, having received its AOS award in 1978. It is one generation removed from F.C Puddle, as the grex was produced by crossing the white complex Jack Tonkin with the green complex Diversion. While many whites have since surpassed it in stature, Paph. Snowbird remains a very nice example of the type, reliably producing crisp 4" snow white flowers with minimal stippling. As is true with most of the white complexes, the flowers open up with distinct yellow overlays that fade to white as the flowers "mature".
photo taken on 12-17-06
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