Paph. philippinense (#2)
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First described in 1862 and native to a wide range within the Philippine archipelago, Paph. philippinense is a variable
but delightful multifloral species. It is an easy grower that prefers hot, humid, and bright conditions, and typically
blooms in spring or summer with the increasing light duration. Although it is certainly well worth growing in its own
right, Paph. philippinense has been the parent of some truly illustrious primary hybrids such as Saint Swithin (x
rothschildianum) and Michael Koopowitz (x sanderianum).
Taxonomy has been particularly contentious with regards to the "Paph. philippinense complex", and there has been much
confusion over the years with the entities laevigatum, cannartianum, and roebbelenii. Although the first two are widely
agreed upon as synonymous with philippinense, the entity roebbelenii remains a subject of controversy. While most
agree that roebbelenii has longer, more pendent, and perhaps more spiraled petals than philippinense, its identity as
variety or autonomous species is still the subject of debate. Variety roebbelenii is also reported to have narrower leaves,
higher peduncular hair density, and a yellow staminode that lacks the green markings of philippinense. Alba (pure green and
white) and aureum (green and white tinged with brown) forms of philippinense also exist, and have paved the way for
multifloral green and white hybrids.
photo taken on 02-18-08
All images and descriptions copyright Jason Chang. Personal use permitted, but no commercial use
without explicit permission.
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