Paph. venustum fma. measuresianum
Discovered in 1816 and native to Nepal and India, Paph. venustum owns the distinction of being the first paphiopedilum to be officially-described and introduced to cultivation. The bold and bizarre flowers were unlike anything ever seen before, and certainly did its part in contributing to the orchid craze in Victorian England. Paph. venustum is quite variable as to flower color, but its foliage is quite distinctive and has been frequently likened to "snakeskin". The green-and-white alba form was first exhibited in 1893 and was officially described as forma measuresianum. It is interesting that many of these flowers will still show traces of pigment at the base of the petals, usually in the form of tiny light brown spots, although they are still devoid of all red pigmentation on the leaves.
In its native habitat on the slopes of the Himalayas, Paph. venustum is exposed to very warm temperatures during the summer growing season but decidedly cool temperatures during the winter. As such it will appreciate winter temperatures near the cooler end of intermediate, and slightly more shade than other paphs (which will also accentuate the striking foliage). Even moisture and light fertilizer during the growing season round out the culture requirements.
photo taken on 02-28-08
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